U.S. forces kill 'Niño Guerrero,' leader of Tren de Aragua

Héctor Guerrero Flores, the notorious leader of the Venezuelan-based criminal syndicate Tren de Aragua, has been killed by U.S. forces. U.S. President Donald Trump announced the "swift and lethal strike" carried out by Southern Command in Venezuela, reportedly in coordination with the Venezuelan government.

The Venezuelan Ministry of Communication and Information confirmed that armed clashes occurred during the operation, resulting in Guerrero Flores' death. The ministry stated the operation also dismantled organized crime structures operating in the country's southeast.

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during the deployment, armed confrontations were registered in which he was killed

Guerrero Flores, also known as "Niño Guerrero," was a high-priority target for law enforcement across the Americas. He had been indicted in a U.S. federal court in New York on charges including conspiracy to commit racketeering, supporting terrorism, extortion, and drug trafficking for over a decade.

Originally from Maracay, Venezuela, Guerrero Flores began his criminal career in the early 2000s. He was first imprisoned in 2010 for shooting a police officer and was later convicted of drug trafficking, robbery, and homicide, leading to his incarceration at Tocorón prison. This facility was a key hub for the Tren de Aragua's formation and expansion. Despite multiple arrests and escapes, including a significant one from Tocorón, Guerrero Flores continued to lead and expand the Tren de Aragua's reach into countries like Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Brazil, and Panama.

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swift and lethal strike