‘Swift and lethal’: Trump claims US strike in Venezuela killed Tren de Aragua kingpin

US President Donald Trump on Friday said the American military had killed Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, better known as Niño Guerrero, the alleged leader of the Venezuela-based criminal organisation Tren de Aragua.

Announcing the development on Truth Social, Trump said the operation was conducted by the US Southern Command and carried out in coordination with Venezuelan authorities. The White House presented the strike as a major blow against a group that Washington has designated a foreign terrorist organisation.

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According to Trump, Guerrero was killed in what he described as a “swift and lethal kinetic strike” directed against the gang leader.

“This action was coordinated closely with our friends in Venezuela,” Trump said, adding that members of Tren de Aragua would no longer find a safe haven in the country.

Trump links operation to border security agenda

Trump used the announcement to renew criticism of former President Joe Biden’s immigration policies.

He accused the previous administration of allowing criminal elements to enter the United States through the southern border and said his government had acted against organisations such as Tren de Aragua since returning to office.

The US President also referred to victims of violent crimes whom he had frequently cited during his election campaign. He said the operation delivered justice for affected families.

Trump further said his administration had designated Tren de Aragua as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, deported alleged gang members and intensified action against drug cartels.

“Under my leadership, we will find these vicious murderers and drugs lords anytime, anyplace, and send them to the depths of hell where they belong,” he wrote.

Gang leader faced US criminal charges

Federal prosecutors in the United States had accused Guerrero of helping transform Tren de Aragua from a Venezuelan prison gang into a criminal network operating across several countries in the Americas, including the US.

Known by aliases including “The Unspeakable” and “The Big Eyebrow”, Guerrero was wanted in connection with allegations ranging from drug trafficking and human trafficking to extortion and violent crimes, according to US authorities.

The US State Department had offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to his capture.

Venezuela confirms cooperation

Venezuela’s Ministry of Information also acknowledged the operation.

In a statement posted on social media, the ministry said the mission was conducted through cooperation between Venezuelan and US security agencies. It said authorities exchanged intelligence information and used specialised technology during the operation.