Washington/Caracas: U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that American forces carried out an air strike that killed Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, widely known as “Niño Guerrero,” the alleged leader of Venezuela-based criminal organization Tren de Aragua. The operation was reportedly conducted in coordination with Venezuelan authorities.
According to official statements, the strike targeted Guerrero in Venezuela’s Bolívar state as part of a broader campaign against transnational organized crime. U.S. officials described the operation as a significant step in efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating across Latin America.
Trump said the operation demonstrated Washington’s commitment to combating violent criminal organizations that have expanded beyond their countries of origin. He stated that the gang would no longer have a safe haven and vowed continued action against similar groups.
Venezuelan authorities confirmed that Guerrero was killed during a joint operation targeting organized crime groups. Officials said clashes occurred during the operation and that security forces remain engaged in efforts to dismantle the gang’s remaining networks.
Tren de Aragua originated in a Venezuelan prison and later expanded its activities across several countries in the region. Authorities have linked the group to crimes including extortion, human trafficking, kidnapping, and money laundering. Analysts say the long-term impact of Guerrero’s death on the organization remains uncertain.
