President Donald Trump announced that a U.S. military strike killed Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, the leader of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. The operation, coordinated with Venezuela, targeted a gang compound.
The strike signifies a significant action by the U.S. against transnational criminal organizations operating from Venezuela, highlighting the administration's focus on combating narcoterrorism and securing U.S. borders.
President Donald Trump announced that a United States strike resulted in the death of Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, described as the "notorious leader" of the Tren de Aragua gang. The U.S. classifies Tren de Aragua as a terrorist organization. Guerrero Flores had been indicted in a New York federal court on charges of racketeering conspiracy and other offenses. The U.S. Department of State had offered rewards of up to $5 million for information leading to his arrest.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated the attack occurred a few days prior at a Tren de Aragua compound in Venezuela and was coordinated with Venezuela. He noted the operation underscores the shared commitment to combat narcoterrorists. Trump has previously taken measures against the group, including strikes against vessels accused of drug trafficking. At least 207 people have died in U.S. military attacks on vessels since September 2025.
The Tren de Aragua originated more than a decade ago in a Venezuelan prison and has expanded internationally as millions of Venezuelans emigrated.