US strike killed leader of Tren de Aragua gang - Trump

Former President Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces, acting under his command, executed a strike that killed Hector Guerrero Flores, the notorious leader of the Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua. Trump described Guerrero, also known as "Niño Guerrero," as the leader of "one of the most bloodthirsty terrorist organizations on the planet."

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At my direction, the United States Southern Command delivered a swift and lethal kinetic strike to successfully execute Nino Guerrero, the infamous leader of Tren de Aragua, one of the most bloodthirsty terrorist organisations on the planet.

Trump stated on Truth Social that the strike was a "swift and lethal kinetic strike" coordinated with Venezuelan authorities. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth confirmed on X that Guerrero was killed earlier this week during the operation. Venezuela's information ministry had not immediately responded to a request for comment.

The Trump administration had previously targeted Guerrero and other Tren de Aragua leaders with sanctions due to their alleged involvement in criminal activities, including illicit drug smuggling, human trafficking, and money laundering. The U.S. State Department has officially designated Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization.

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This action was coordinated closely with our friends in Venezuela, with whom we are working very well.

Trump has asserted that Tren de Aragua coordinates its activities in the U.S. with the Venezuelan government led by President Nicolás Maduro. This alleged connection has been used by the Trump administration to justify deporting some immigrants to El Salvador. Tren de Aragua is known for its extensive criminal network, controlling migrant routes and engaging in extortion, kidnapping, money laundering, contract killings, and smuggling across South America. Guerrero had escaped from Venezuela's Tocorón prison in 2023 before a police raid.

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Mr Guerrero was confirmed killed during the strike.