Venezuela says criminal 'operational centers' fell with death of 'El Niño Guerrero'

Venezuela's government announced the dismantling of criminal "operational centers" following the death of Hector Guerrero, alias 'El Niño Guerrero,' the alleged leader of the transnational criminal organization Tren de Aragua. The operation, which took place in a southeastern mining region, was conducted in coordination with the United States.

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shattered the operational centers of the country's main criminal organizations, with the fall of El Niño Guerrero

The Venezuelan Ministry of Communication stated that intelligence operations and territorial deployments, executed in collaboration with U.S. security agencies, "shattered the operational centers of the country's main criminal organizations, with the fall" of Guerrero. Caracas described his death as a result of "sustained strategic planning aimed at the logistical dismantling of transnational gangs."

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sustained strategic planning aimed at the logistical dismantling of transnational gangs

U.S. President Donald Trump had previously announced a "swift and lethal strike" to capture Guerrero, whom Washington designates as a terrorist leader. The operation in the state of Bolívar was confirmed by Caracas, with Trump noting excellent collaboration with Venezuelan partners. Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado thanked the U.S. president for actions against "armed groups, criminal organizations, and mafias."

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launched a swift and lethal strike to successfully execute El Niño Guerrero

The operation occurred two months after Venezuela approved a new mining law allowing foreign investors into these zones. The Ministry of Communication also indicated that Venezuela maintains active channels for technical assistance and information exchange with global police networks.

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armed groups, criminal organizations, and mafias