US President Donald Trump claimed on Friday that the US military had carried out a strike killing Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, known as Niño Guerrero, the leader of the Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua. Washington has designated the group a foreign terrorist organization.
Trump's Announcement on Truth Social
In a post on Truth Social sharing a video of the strike, Trump stated: "At my direction, the United States Southern Command delivered a swift and lethal kinetic strike to successfully execute Niño Guerrero, the infamous leader of Tren De Aragua, one of the most bloodthirsty Terrorist Organizations on Planet Earth."
Trump said the operation was conducted in coordination with Venezuelan authorities. "This action was coordinated closely with our friends in Venezuela, with whom we are working very well," he added.
Lack of Details and Official Response
The US president did not specify when the strike occurred. The White House, the Pentagon, and US Southern Command did not immediately respond to requests for additional details. Venezuela's information ministry also did not comment on the announcement.
Guerrero has long been a top target for US authorities. The Trump administration has repeatedly sanctioned Guerrero and other Tren de Aragua leaders over alleged involvement in drug trafficking, human trafficking, money laundering, and other criminal activities. The State Department designated the gang a foreign terrorist organization.
Trump Links Strike to Immigration and Crime Agenda
In his lengthy statement, Trump linked the operation to his broader immigration and anti-crime agenda while attacking his predecessor Joe Biden. "Before I returned to office, Joe Biden opened our Southern Border to millions of Illegal Criminals, and allowed this foreign army to rape, maim, and murder American Citizens with total impunity," Trump wrote.
"During my Campaign, I pledged to expel these monsters from our Country, and bring Justice to the families of those they slaughtered, including the precious 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, 22-year-old Laken Reilly, and countless other beautiful souls."
"With this action, the United States Military has brought retribution for them, their families, and their loved ones," Trump said.
Measures Against Tren de Aragua
Trump also pointed to measures his administration has taken against the gang and other criminal organizations. "Early in my Administration, I delivered on my promise to designate Tren de Aragua as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, deport thousands of evil criminals, and wage war against the Cartels, who have long been waging war against our Citizens, while weak leaders left America helpless and defensive."
He further stated: "As a result, Tren de Aragua terrorists no longer have safe haven in Venezuela or anywhere else and, 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. GOD BLESS AMERICA! President DONALD J. TRUMP"
Background and Previous Allegations
The Trump administration has previously alleged that Tren de Aragua coordinated some of its activities in the United States with the government of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro. The administration has cited those claims while defending the deportation of some immigrants to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador.
As of Friday evening, US officials had not released independent details about the reported strike or provided evidence confirming Guerrero's death.
