U.S. Strike Eliminates Tren de Aragua Leader in Venezuela
The United States has confirmed the death of Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, a key figure of the Tren de Aragua gang, following a “swift and lethal kinetic” strike. President Donald Trump announced the operation, describing Guerrero Flores as “the infamous leader” of the criminal organization.
Tren de Aragua, designated as a terrorist group by the U.S., has been linked to numerous violent and criminal activities across multiple continents. Guerrero Flores faced charges in New York for racketeering conspiracy and supporting terrorism, according to an announcement made in December.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed that the strike on a Tren de Aragua compound in Venezuela took place earlier this week. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, nominated by Trump for the position of director of national intelligence, has attributed widespread violence, extortion, and drug trafficking in the Americas and Europe to the gang.
The U.S. State Department had previously offered rewards of up to $5 million for information leading to Guerrero Flores’ capture. In a social media post, Trump declared that “Tren de Aragua terrorists no longer have safe haven in Venezuela or anywhere else,” vowing to eliminate such threats. His post included footage of an explosion at a targeted building.
Hegseth emphasized the collaborative efforts between the U.S. and Venezuela in combating narco-terrorism. However, Venezuela’s ministry of communications has yet to comment on the operation.
The Trump administration has intensified its campaign against the gang, conducting strikes on boats suspected of drug smuggling. These operations have resulted in over 200 deaths in the eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea since September. The president has consistently blamed Tren de Aragua for contributing to crime and drug issues in U.S. cities, despite intelligence suggesting otherwise.
Originating from a notorious prison in Venezuela’s Aragua state, the gang has grown as Venezuelans seek better opportunities abroad. Guerrero Flores, after returning to prison in 2013, capitalized on the country’s economic turmoil, establishing control over the facility and turning it into a mini-city with amenities like a zoo and restaurants.
While the gang’s size is uncertain, countries such as Peru and Colombia have accused it of regional violence. Unlike other criminal organizations, Tren de Aragua is not heavily involved in international cocaine trafficking, according to InSight Crime.
As Trump campaigns for re-election, his approach to immigration and crime remains a focal point, even as his economic policies face scrutiny. According to the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, immigration continues to be a strong area for him.
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This article was originally written by www.npr.org
