The leader of the notorious transnational criminal gang Tren de Aragua, Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, popularly known as Nino Guerrero, has been killed during a joint security operation carried out by the United States and Venezuela.
Venezuelan authorities confirmed the development on Friday, describing it as a major breakthrough in efforts to dismantle one of the most feared criminal organisations operating across Latin America.
According to Venezuela’s Ministry of Communications, Guerrero was killed during a security operation conducted in the southeastern region of Bolivar State following intelligence-sharing and technological support provided by the United States.
The ministry said security operatives engaged members of the criminal network in a confrontation that resulted in the death of the gang leader.
“There were clashes with members of these criminal structures, in which Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, alias ‘Nino Guerrero,’ was neutralised,” the ministry stated.
US President Donald Trump also confirmed the operation, revealing that American forces played a direct role in the mission.
In a statement posted on his official Truth Social platform, Trump said the strike was carried out under his directive and in close coordination with Venezuelan authorities.
“At my direction, the United States Southern Command delivered a swift and lethal kinetic strike to successfully execute Nino Guerrero,” Trump stated.
He added that the operation demonstrated growing cooperation between Washington and Caracas in tackling transnational criminal organisations.
The US President further declared that the operation had eliminated a major threat linked to terrorism, organised crime and drug trafficking activities across the region.
Tren de Aragua, which originated in Venezuela, has expanded its operations into several countries, including Colombia, Peru and Chile. The group has been designated a terrorist organisation by the United States due to its involvement in violent crimes, extortion, human trafficking and drug-related offences.
Federal prosecutors in New York had previously filed racketeering, firearms and drug trafficking charges against Guerrero, accusing him of transforming the group from a prison gang into a sophisticated international criminal network.
US authorities also placed a reward of $5 million on information leading to his arrest or conviction.
Investigators alleged that under Guerrero’s leadership, the organisation was responsible for numerous acts of violence and criminal activities across North America, South America and parts of Europe.
Reports from crime-monitoring organisations indicated that Guerrero built much of his influence while incarcerated at Tocorón Prison in Venezuela, where gang members allegedly exercised significant control over prison operations.
The prison reportedly became infamous for its unusual facilities, including recreational and entertainment amenities that drew international attention and criticism.
The operation marks another sign of improving relations between the United States and Venezuela following recent diplomatic developments between both countries.
Washington and Caracas restored diplomatic ties earlier this year after years of strained relations, with both governments increasing cooperation on security and regional stability issues.
Security analysts believe the death of Guerrero could significantly weaken Tren de Aragua’s command structure and disrupt its operations across multiple countries.
However, experts also warn that authorities must remain vigilant to prevent other senior members from filling the leadership vacuum and sustaining the gang’s criminal activities.
The development is expected to have major implications for regional security efforts as governments across Latin America continue their crackdown on organised crime networks operating beyond national borders.
Be the first to comment