US President Donald Trump announced the death of a top Tren de Aragua leader during a military strike. Officials identified the slain figure as Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, known as Niño Guerrero.
Trump said US Southern Command carried out the operation earlier this week. Moreover, he described the strike as swift, lethal, and closely coordinated with Venezuelan authorities.
The Venezuelan government later confirmed Guerrero’s death during a joint operation. Officials said intelligence sharing and technical support contributed to the mission’s success.
Joint Operation Targets Notorious Gang Leader
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said American forces worked alongside Venezuelan security personnel. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s communications ministry reported clashes with members of the criminal organization.
Authorities said Guerrero died during the operation targeting the gang’s network. Furthermore, US Southern Command confirmed the mission focused on a Tren de Aragua compound.
Guerrero ranked among the United States’ most wanted fugitives. Previously, US authorities charged him with racketeering and terrorism-related offenses while offering a $5 million reward for information leading to his capture.
Tren de Aragua Expanded Beyond Venezuela
Tren de Aragua originated inside Venezuela’s Tocorón prison in Aragua state. Under Guerrero’s leadership, the prison gang evolved into a transnational criminal organization operating across Latin America and beyond.
Guerrero escaped during Venezuelan authorities’ takeover of Tocorón prison in 2023. Since then, he had remained on the run despite international efforts to locate him.
