President Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces conducted a "swift and lethal kinetic" strike that killed Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, whom he described as the "infamous leader" of the Tren de Aragua gang. The United States has labeled Tren de Aragua as a terrorist organization. Guerrero Flores had been charged in a New York federal court with racketeering conspiracy and other crimes, including lending support to terrorists over more than a decade.
Venezuela confirmed the death of the gang’s leader during the “joint operation,” stating that clashes with criminal groups resulted in the neutralization of Guerrero Flores, also known by his alias 'Niño Guerrero.' The operation took place in the southeastern state of Bolivar.
The U.S. State Department had previously offered rewards of up to $5 million for information leading to Guerrero Flores’ arrest. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton stated that the gang is responsible for numerous acts of violence, extortion, and drug trafficking across North America, South America, and Europe. Trump had nominated Clayton for director of national intelligence the previous day.
Trump wrote on Truth Social that "Tren de Aragua terrorists no longer have safe haven in Venezuela or anywhere else," and shared video appearing to show the strike. He also used the announcement to criticize his predecessor, Joe Biden, regarding border security.
