Machado: Death of 'El Niño Guerrero' Signals Dismantling of Armed Groups in Venezuela

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado declared that the death of Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, known as 'El Niño Guerrero,' signifies the start of dismantling armed groups and criminal structures that have long operated with impunity in Venezuela. Machado connected this development to recent events in the Guayana mining region, viewing it as part of a new era for the country. She specifically credited the actions of the Trump administration for these perceived advances.

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In the last few days, we have seen the beginning of the dismantling of armed groups, criminal organizations and mafias that operated with absolute impunity, controlling and destroying vast areas of our territory and extending their tentacles beyond our borders, including the Tren de Aragua.

In a statement on social media, Machado noted the "beginning of the dismantling of armed groups, criminal organizations and mafias" that had controlled and damaged vast areas of Venezuela and extended their reach internationally, including the Tren de Aragua gang. She asserted that the "human, social, ecological and economic damage" caused by these groups, which she claims were fostered under the current regime and operate in complicity with it, is immeasurable.

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The human, social, ecological and economic damage that these criminal groups, which were born under the protection of Chavismo and act in complicity with the tyranny, have caused Venezuela is immeasurable.

Machado also pointed to the release of political prisoners, both civilian and military, and a greater openness for citizen expression and the work of media and civil society organizations. She reiterated her gratitude to the U.S. President and his administration for contributing to these changes. "We know there is still a long way to go on this long road to the Freedom of Venezuela," she stated, emphasizing that every Venezuelan has a role to play in organizing, defending truth, denouncing criminal structures, and supporting recovering institutions.

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As I have always assured you: the truth will prevail, justice will be done and history will judge. All these achievements were unthinkable six months ago and, therefore, we recognize and thank President (Donald) Trump and his administration.

The article also references a statement from the U.S. President, who described an operation executed by the Southern Command as "precise and forceful." Trump's remarks, made on his social media platform, criticized the previous administration for an open border and allowing foreign gangs to terrorize citizens. He vowed to expel such elements and bring justice to victims' families.

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Before I took office, Biden opened our southern border to millions of illegal immigrants and allowed this foreign gang to terrorize, rape, and murder American citizens with total impunity.