The leader of the transnational gang Tren de Aragua, Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, alias 'Niño Guerrero,' was killed in a joint U.S.-Venezuela operation in Bolivar state, authorities confirmed on Friday. The strike, described as a 'swift and lethal kinetic strike' by U.S. President Donald Trump, was carried out by the U.S. Southern Command with Venezuelan cooperation.
Operation Details
The operation involved specialized technological support and intelligence exchange between the U.S. and Venezuela. Trump announced the strike on his Truth Social platform, stating that the U.S. military executed Guerrero Flores at his direction. Venezuelan authorities confirmed the joint operation, noting clashes with gang members in the southeast of Bolivar state.
Background on Tren de Aragua
Tren de Aragua, originally a prison gang, expanded into a transnational criminal organization under Guerrero Flores' leadership. The gang is active in Colombia, Peru, and Chile, engaging in extortion, sex trafficking, contract killing, and kidnapping. The U.S. designated Tren de Aragua as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, offering rewards for information leading to Guerrero Flores' arrest.
Political Context
The strike comes amid U.S. efforts to tighten ties with Venezuela's interim leadership under Delcy Rodríguez, following the removal of Nicolás Maduro in January. Trump's administration has accused Maduro of collaborating with Tren de Aragua, and the gang's leader was named as a co-conspirator in Maduro's indictment.
Reactions and Implications
Trump highlighted the operation as fulfilling a campaign promise to target violent foreign criminals and terrorist organizations. He referenced victims of Tren de Aragua, including 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray and 22-year-old Laken Riley, stating the strike brought retribution for their families. The operation underscores the U.S. and Venezuela's commitment to combating narco-terrorists and denying them safe havens in the hemisphere.