Trump says U.S. killed leader of Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua

President Donald Trump announced the killing of Niño Guerrero, the leader of the notorious Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, by the U.S. military. Trump stated on his Truth Social platform that the Venezuelan government supported the operation, sharing a video that appeared to show an airstrike on a house. The U.S. government has designated Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization due to its involvement in drug trafficking, extortion, and human trafficking, with its reach extending to other Latin American nations and the United States.

This action occurs amidst a broader shift in U.S. policy toward Venezuela. The U.S. Treasury Department recently removed Venezuelan interim president Delcy Rodríguez from its sanctions list without providing immediate reasons. This move is part of a gradual relaxation of American sanctions, including renewed permission for extensive dealings with the state-owned oil company PdVSA and the resumption of trade in Venezuelan gold. Diplomatic relations between the two countries have also been re-established.

Meanwhile, former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who was apprehended by U.S. special forces nearly three months ago, is scheduled to appear in court again. He previously pleaded not guilty to charges of "narco-terrorism" in January, accusing the U.S. of kidnapping him. The U.S. indictment alleges that Maduro used his presidential powers to facilitate the smuggling of thousands of tons of cocaine into the U.S., forming alliances with drug traffickers for personal gain. His wife, Cilia Flores, is also indicted in the case.

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The U.S. military killed the leader of the notorious Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.