Trump Says U.S. Strike Killed Tren de Aragua Leader in Joint Operation With Venezuela

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that American forces carried out a military strike that killed Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, better known as “Niño Guerrero,” the alleged leader of Venezuela’s notorious Tren de Aragua criminal organization. The operation was reportedly conducted with the cooperation of Venezuelan authorities.

In a statement posted on social media, Trump described the mission as a “swift and lethal” operation executed by U.S. Southern Command. He said the strike targeted one of the world’s most dangerous criminal groups and credited close coordination with officials in Venezuela for its success.

The Pentagon later confirmed that Guerrero Flores was killed earlier this week. Venezuelan authorities also acknowledged a joint operation against criminal elements in the southeastern state of Bolívar, where the strike reportedly took place.

Guerrero Flores had long been one of the most wanted figures in Latin America. U.S. prosecutors previously charged him with racketeering, terrorism-related offenses, drug trafficking, money laundering, and human trafficking. American authorities had also placed a multimillion-dollar reward on information leading to his capture.

Originating from Venezuela’s Tocorón prison, the Tren de Aragua gang has evolved into a powerful transnational criminal network with operations across several Latin American countries and alleged links to crimes including extortion, kidnapping, human smuggling, and drug trafficking. The United States has designated the organization as a foreign terrorist organization.

The operation marks a notable development in relations between Washington and Caracas, which have often been strained. Analysts say the reported cooperation between the two governments could signal a shift in regional security efforts aimed at combating organized crime.

Despite the announcement, questions remain about the long-term impact of Guerrero Flores’ death on the gang’s operations. Security experts have warned that criminal organizations often reorganize after the loss of senior leaders, sometimes triggering internal power struggles and renewed violence.

The strike is being viewed as one of the most significant actions taken against Tren de Aragua since the group emerged as a major security concern across the Americas. Authorities in several countries have linked the organization to violent crimes affecting migrant communities and local populations alike.