US Conducts Strike That Kills Venezuelan Prison Gang Leader

The United States has carried out a targeted strike that resulted in the death of Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, better known as Niño Guerrero, who was the leader of Venezuela's notorious Tren de Aragua prison gang. President Donald Trump announced the operation on Truth Social, stating that it was conducted at his direction and involved swift military action to eliminate Guerrero, whom he described as a terrorist leader.

The Pentagon confirmed through X (formerly Twitter) that the strike occurred earlier in the week and successfully neutralized Guerrero. The Venezuelan government also acknowledged the operation, noting that there were clashes with criminal groups during the mission, which led to Guerrero's death. Both countries collaborated closely on intelligence sharing and technological support for the operation, highlighting a level of cooperation between U.S. and Venezuelan authorities.

The Trump administration has long targeted Tren de Aragua through sanctions and designations as a foreign terrorist organization due to its alleged involvement in criminal activities such as drug smuggling, human trafficking, and money laundering. The gang is known for controlling migration routes used by Venezuelans fleeing the country and for engaging in various illicit operations across South America, from Panama to Brazil.

Guerrero's escape from Venezuela’s Tocoron prison last year alongside other gang leaders just before a police raid had previously raised concerns about the security situation within Venezuelan prisons and the potential for increased criminal activity. His death is likely to have significant implications for both regional stability and U.S.-Venezuela relations, as it marks a notable step in disrupting the activities of one of the most feared criminal organizations in Latin America.