Hunt continues for key Tren de Aragua leaders after "Niño Guerrero's" death

The death of Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, known as "Niño Guerrero," announced by the United States, marks a significant blow to the leadership of the Tren de Aragua criminal organization. However, the pursuit continues for two other key figures within the group: Yohan José Romero, also known as “Johan Petrica,” and Giovanni Vicente Mosquera Serrano, identified as “Giovanny” or “El Viejo.”

"Johan Petrica" is a priority target, reportedly a co-founder of Tren de Aragua alongside the late "Niño Guerrero" and Larry Álvarez Núñez, alias Larry Changa, who is currently detained in Colombia. U.S. authorities state Romero played a crucial role in the organization's expansion and allegedly controlled illicit activities in the strategic mining area of Las Claritas, Bolívar state. A reward of up to $4 million is offered for information leading to his capture.

"Giovanny" is considered a principal figure responsible for Tren de Aragua's operations in Bogotá. Investigations suggest he orchestrated the absorption of local gangs to strengthen the organization's presence in the Colombian capital, particularly in extortion and territorial control activities. In December 2024, the U.S. increased the reward for information leading to his arrest to $5 million due to his significance within the criminal structure.

While the elimination of "Niño Guerrero" is a severe blow to the Tren de Aragua's historical leadership, experts and authorities caution that the organization retains operational capacity through cells spread across Latin America. The capture of "Johan Petrica" and "Giovanny" are now primary objectives in the international effort to dismantle the criminal network.