Trump announces elimination of Tren de Aragua kingpin, Niño Guerrero in US military strike

United States President Donald Trump has announced that American forces killed Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, popularly known as “Niño Guerrero,” the alleged leader of the Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua, in a military operation coordinated with Venezuelan authorities.

In a post on Truth Social on Friday night, Trump said the U.S. Southern Command, SOUTHCOM, carried out a “swift and lethal kinetic strike” that successfully eliminated Guerrero, whom he described as the leader of one of the world’s most violent terrorist organizations.

According to Trump, the operation was conducted in close cooperation with Venezuela, adding that members of Tren de Aragua no longer have a safe haven in the South American country.

The U.S. president linked the operation to his administration’s broader crackdown on transnational criminal groups, noting that Tren de Aragua had earlier been designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by Washington.

He also highlighted ongoing efforts to deport suspected gang members and intensify action against drug cartels.

Trump used the announcement to criticize former President Joe Biden’s immigration policies, claiming they allowed criminal elements to enter the United States.

He said the strike delivered justice for victims allegedly killed by members of the gang and vowed to continue pursuing criminal organizations operating across the region.

Guerrero, who had been one of the most wanted figures in Latin America, was accused by U.S. authorities of overseeing a criminal network involved in drug trafficking, human smuggling, extortion, kidnapping and other violent crimes across several countries.

Trump announces elimination of Tren de Aragua kingpin, Niño Guerrero in US military strike