Trump announces death of 'Niño Guerrero,' alleged leader of Venezuela's Tren de Aragua gang

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the death of Héctor Guerrero Flores, the alleged leader of the Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua, which Washington has designated as a terrorist group. Trump declared on his social media platform Truth that a "swift and lethal attack" under his direction by the U.S. Southern Command successfully eliminated 'Niño Guerrero.'

Trump stated the operation was coordinated with "friends in Venezuela," emphasizing that Tren de Aragua members would no longer find safe haven in the country. He vowed to hunt down "these ruthless murderers and drug kingpins wherever they are and send them to the depths of hell." The U.S. president also linked this action to his broader campaign against cartels and "evil criminals," contrasting his approach with that of "weak leaders."

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Under my direction, the United States Southern Command launched a powerful, swift, and lethal attack to successfully execute 'Niño Guerrero,' the infamous leader of Tren de Aragua, one of the most bloodthirsty terrorist organizations on planet Earth.

'Niño Guerrero' was accused by the U.S. government of transforming a prison gang focused on extortion and bribery into a criminal network with continental reach. He had been a fugitive since 2023, following a Venezuelan operation at Tocorón prison, which was considered the organization's base. The U.S. Treasury had previously sanctioned 'Niño Guerrero' and five other Tren de Aragua members in 2025, including his lieutenant Yohan José Romero, also known as Johan Petrica.

The U.S. had offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to his arrest, highlighting the importance authorities placed on dismantling the criminal group. The Tren de Aragua has been linked to various criminal activities, and its designation as a terrorist organization by the U.S. underscores the international concern over its operations.

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As a result, the terrorists of Tren de Aragua no longer have safe haven in Venezuela or anywhere else. Under my leadership, we will find these ruthless murderers and drug kingpins wherever they are and send them to the depths of hell, which is where they belong.