Chile calls death of 'Niño Guerrero' a significant blow to Tren de Aragua

Chile's government has characterized the death of Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, known as "Niño Guerrero" and identified as the supreme leader of the transnational criminal group Tren de Aragua, as a "relevant blow" against the organization. The gang has been linked to widespread violence across several South American nations.

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The death of Héctor Guerrero, the top leader of Tren de Aragua, is a relevant blow against a criminal organization that has extended its violence through various countries on the continent.

Chilean Security Minister Martín Arrau stated on social media that Guerrero's demise is a significant setback for a criminal enterprise that has expanded its violent activities throughout the continent. Arrau expressed particular hope regarding the collaboration between the United States and Venezuela that resulted in Guerrero's death. He noted that this action complements recent successes by Chilean institutions in dismantling Tren de Aragua's operations within Chile over the past few weeks.

Chilean authorities recently dismantled a money-laundering network associated with the gang, leading to approximately twenty arrests. These individuals are accused by the Chilean Prosecutor's Office of various crimes, including extortion, smuggling, money laundering, and criminal conspiracy. Local media reports suggest the network funneled illicit funds obtained from extortion and other criminal activities to a Colombian prison where one of the group's leaders, Carlos "El Bobby" Gómez, is incarcerated.

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This action adds to the important blows that our institutions have dealt to Tren de Aragua in Chile in recent weeks.

While acknowledging the fall of a key leader, Arrau cautioned that it does not signify the end of the organization. He affirmed Chile's commitment to continued coordination within its security system, targeting the group's cells and individual members, and strengthening international cooperation and coordinated state action. The Venezuelan interim government confirmed Guerrero's death in Bolívar state, stating the operation involved specialized technological support and intelligence sharing between Venezuelan and U.S. authorities, leading to confrontations where Guerrero was neutralized.

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The fall of a leader does not mean the end of an organization like this. That is why we will continue to coordinate the entire security system behind its cells and each of its members, strengthening international cooperation and coordinated state action.