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President Donald Trump announced Friday that the U.S. military killed alleged Tren de Aragua leader Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, also known as Niño Guerrero, during a military operation in Venezuela.
The president said on Truth Social that United States Southern Command carried out a “swift and lethal kinetic strike” targeting Guerrero Flores at a gang compound in Venezuela.
War Department Secretary Pete Hegseth said the strike occurred earlier this week.
Venezuela’s communications ministry confirmed that Guerrero Flores was killed in what it described as a joint operation involving U.S. forces and Venezuelan security services in Bolívar state. President Trump posted video footage appearing to show a projectile striking a building and triggering a large explosion.
“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. 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,” he 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. 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,” the president continued.
“This action was coordinated closely with our friends in Venezuela, with whom we are working very well. 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,” he concluded.
U.S. authorities had previously identified Guerrero Flores as one of the most wanted leaders of the gang. Federal prosecutors in New York indicted him last year on charges including racketeering, cocaine conspiracy and providing material support to terrorism.
The United States Department of State had offered up to $5 million for information leading to his arrest.
