U.S. says strike kills Venezuelan gang leader 'Niño Guerrero'

U.S. says strike kills Venezuelan gang leader 'Niño Guerrero'
Explosion following what U.S. President Donald Trump said was a strike that killed Hector Guerrero Flores, leader of Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua, 12 June 2026.
Reuters

The United States has carried out a “swift and lethal” military strike that it says killed Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, known as Niño Guerrero, the alleged leader of Tren de Aragua, a criminal network Washington has designated as a foreign terrorist organisation.

In a statement, U.S. President Donald Trump described the operation as a direct response to violence linked to the group, calling it one of “the most bloodthirsty terrorist organisations on planet Earth”.

Trump accused the previous administration of failing to control migration at the southern border, claiming it had allowed “millions of illegal criminals” into the country and enabled the group to operate with “total impunity”.

He said the strike was part of a broader campaign to deliver justice for victims, including “the families of those they slaughtered”.

“During my campaign, I pledged to expel these monsters from our country,” Trump said. “With this action, the United States military has brought retribution for them, their families, and their loved ones.”

The White House added that the operation was coordinated with Venezuelan authorities, with Trump saying the U.S. was “working very well” with partners in the region.

He also claimed the action would deny the group safe haven, warning that under his leadership, the U.S. would pursue those responsible “anytime, anyplace”.

“We will find these vicious murderers and drug lords,” he said, adding they would be sent “to the depths of hell where they belong”.

Tren de Aragua has been linked by U.S. officials to organised crime activities across the Americas, including trafficking and violent offences, though details of the operation and independent verification of Guerrero’s death have not yet been released.

The strike marks a further escalation in Washington’s efforts to target transnational criminal networks beyond its borders.

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