US and Venezuela confirm killing of Tren de Aragua leader in joint strike
6 verified3 unconfirmed
President Donald Trump announced Friday that the alleged leader of the Tren de Aragua gang was killed in a U.S. military strike in Venezuela, carried out in cooperation with the Venezuelan government. The Venezuelan Ministry of Communications confirmed the death, stating that Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, alias “Niño Guerrero,” was neutralized during clashes at a compound in the southeastern state of Bolívar. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said U.S. forces struck one of the gang’s compounds earlier in the week. Trump wrote on Truth Social that the operation was a “swift and lethal kinetic strike” and part of his campaign pledge to target the gang, which is a key focus of his immigration enforcement. The State Department had designated Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization in February 2025, and a $5 million reward was offered for information leading to Guerrero Flores’ arrest. He was charged in December in the U.S. with racketeering conspiracy and supporting terrorism.
What’s verified
President Donald Trump announced that the alleged leader of Tren de Aragua, Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores (alias “Niño Guerrero”), was killed in a U.S. military strike in Venezuela.
The Venezuelan government confirmed the death and described the operation as a “joint operation” with U.S. security agencies in the southeastern state of Bolívar.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that U.S. forces struck a Tren de Aragua compound in Venezuela to carry out the attack.
The State Department had offered rewards of up to $5 million for information leading to Guerrero Flores’ arrest.
Guerrero Flores faced U.S. charges filed in December, including racketeering conspiracy and lending support to terrorists.
Tren de Aragua was designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department in February 2025.
Not yet confirmed
One source reported that former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is in federal custody in New York facing narco-terrorism charges and has pleaded not guilty.
One source reported that a declassified U.S. intelligence assessment contradicted Trump’s claim that Tren de Aragua operated under Maduro’s control.
One source provided details about the gang originating more than a decade ago at a prison in Venezuela’s Aragua state where Guerrero Flores and other inmates took over control.
Key figures
Donald Trump, President of the United States
Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores (alias “Niño Guerrero”), alleged leader of Tren de Aragua
Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of Defense
Venezuelan Ministry of Communications
