U.S. Strike Kills Leader of Tren de Aragua Gang

President Donald Trump announced that a U.S. operation resulted in the death of Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores. He described Guerrero Flores as the “notorious leader” of the Tren de Aragua gang.

The United States identifies the Tren de Aragua as a terrorist group. Guerrero Flores faced charges in a New York federal court for criminal conspiracy and supporting terrorists, with activities spanning over a decade.

Federal Prosecutor Jay Clayton stated that the gang is responsible for numerous acts of violence, extortion, and drug trafficking across North America, South America, and Europe. Trump recently nominated Clayton as Director of National Intelligence.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reported on social media that the operation took place at a Tren de Aragua compound in Venezuela. Hours later, Venezuela’s acting leader, Delcy Rodríguez, confirmed the death of Guerrero Flores. She noted that the operation was a joint effort between Venezuelan and U.S. security forces in the southwest of Bolívar state.

The Venezuelan Ministry of Communication and Information released a statement saying the operation dismantled organized crime structures. Guerrero Flores, also known as Niño Guerrero, was neutralized during an encounter with criminal elements. The U.S. Department of State had offered rewards up to $5 million for information leading to Guerrero Flores’ arrest.

In a social media post, Trump emphasized that there is no safe haven for the Tren de Aragua in Venezuela or elsewhere. He promised to pursue these criminals relentlessly.

The operation was supported by specialized technology and intelligence cooperation between both countries. Despite requests, Venezuela’s Ministry of Communications did not comment further.

Trump has ordered robust actions against the gang, including targeting vessels accused of drug trafficking. Since September 2025, U.S. forces have reportedly killed 207 individuals in such operations in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea.

Trump has consistently blamed the Tren de Aragua for violence and drug trafficking affecting U.S. cities. Earlier this year, U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro due to narcotics charges.

The Tren de Aragua originated more than a decade ago in a notorious prison in central Venezuela. The gang expanded as millions of Venezuelans emigrated amid economic hardship. Guerrero Flores, imprisoned for murder, took control of operations inside the prison, establishing a regime marked by extortion.

While the gang is feared for its violent activities, it has not significantly engaged in cross-border cocaine smuggling like other groups in Latin America.

Trump’s re-election campaign focuses heavily on immigration and crime policies. Despite low approval ratings for his economic management, immigration issues remain a central strength for him.