Trump announced the death of the gang leader.

In a recent development that has sparked significant international attention, former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed responsibility for a military operation that resulted in the death of Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, known as “Niño Guerrero,” the leader of the Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua. According to statements made on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump described the attack as a “swift and lethal kinetic strike” carried out under his orders and in coordination with Venezuelan authorities. He emphasized that this action marked a turning point in the fight against the gang, which he labeled as a terrorist organization responsible for numerous violent acts across North and South America, as well as parts of Europe.

The operation reportedly took place early in the week within the Tren de Aragua complex located in the southeastern state of Bolívar, Venezuela. A video released alongside Trump’s statement showed an explosion at a building with a green roof, though no individuals were visible in the footage. The U.S. Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, confirmed the attack on the social media platform X, stating that the operation highlighted the joint commitment of the United States and Venezuela to combat drug trafficking and terrorism by eliminating safe havens for such groups on their hemisphere.

Venezuela's government issued a formal statement confirming its involvement in the operation, noting that clashes occurred during the mission, resulting in the death of Guerrero Flores. The statement did not provide further details about the specific circumstances surrounding the encounter but affirmed the country’s collaboration with the U.S. in targeting the gang. This marks a notable shift in diplomatic relations between the two nations, particularly given the ongoing tensions involving the Venezuelan leadership.

Tren de Aragua, founded over a decade ago within a maximum-security prison in the state of Aragua, has grown into a powerful transnational criminal enterprise. Initially controlling the prison, the group transformed it into a self-contained environment featuring amenities such as a zoo, baseball field, casino, and restaurants. Under the leadership of Guerrero Flores, who resided in a luxury apartment, the gang expanded its operations beyond Venezuela, engaging in activities including kidnappings, murders, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and vehicle theft. The group was recognized as a terrorist organization by the United States several years prior, with Guerrero Flores facing federal charges related to extortion, drug offenses, and supporting terrorism.

U.S. Attorney General Jay Clayton, appointed by Trump earlier in the month, highlighted the gang’s extensive criminal network, emphasizing its role in perpetrating countless acts of violence and drug trafficking across multiple continents. The U.S. Department of State had previously offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Guerrero Flores, underscoring the gravity of the threat posed by the organization.

Throughout his presidency, Trump consistently accused Tren de Aragua of being under the control of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, despite classified intelligence suggesting otherwise. In January, U.S. forces apprehended Maduro and brought him before a court, marking a pivotal moment in the geopolitical landscape of Latin America. Trump’s assertion that the attack was coordinated with Venezuelan authorities appears to align with the current administration led by interim president Delcy Rodríguez, who assumed power following Maduro’s arrest.

As the situation unfolds, the implications of this operation extend far beyond the immediate elimination of a high-profile criminal figure. It signals a new phase in U.S.-Venezuelan cooperation aimed at dismantling organized crime networks operating across borders. However, questions remain regarding the specifics of the operation, the extent of U.S. involvement, and the potential repercussions for regional stability. With both nations vying for influence in the region, the outcome of this collaborative effort will likely shape future policies and alliances in the Americas.