Published：Jun 13, 01:16Last updated：Jun 13, 08:11

US-Venezuela Joint Strike Kills Tren de Aragua Leader Héctor Guerrero Flores

Jun. 13, 2026 01:16

US President Donald Trump announced that US forces, in coordination with Venezuela, conducted a strike to eliminate Niño Guerrero, leader of the Venezuelan criminal group Tren de Aragua. Trump stated that the strike was swift and deadly, ensuring Guerrero's elimination.

Summarized

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Jun. 13, 2026 08:02

On June 12, 2026, former U.S. President Trump announced via social media that the U.S. Southern Command had killed a top leader of the Venezuelan crime organization "Tren de Aragua" in an operation conducted with Venezuelan authorities. The targeted individual, known as "Niño Guerrero," had been indicted in December of the previous year by a New York federal court for organized crime and terrorism-related offenses. The U.S. government has sanctioned Tren de Aragua for involvement in human trafficking and drug trafficking, labeling it a "foreign terrorist organization." A video posted by Trump showed a bomb striking a building with a green roof, resulting in an explosion. The operation follows the U.S. attack on Venezuela earlier in January and the detention of President Maduro, with interim President Rodríguez showing cooperation with the U.S.

Jun. 13, 2026 08:11

Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, also known as El Niño Guerrero, the leader of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, was killed during a joint operation by the United States and Venezuela. The announcement was made late Friday evening by both countries.

Former US President Donald Trump announced on June 12-13, 2026, that US forces conducted a coordinated military strike with Venezuelan authorities, killing Héctor Rusthenford "Niño" Guerrero Flores, leader of the Venezuelan criminal group Tren de Aragua. The operation targeted Guerrero Flores' compound in southern Venezuela, where he faced a $5 million US bounty and federal charges for terrorism and drug trafficking. Trump described the strike as eliminating "one of the world's most brutal terrorist leaders" from an organization involved in human trafficking, extortion, and narcotics. Russia Today+2

🎯 Targeted Operation Details

The US Southern Command executed the precision strike after Guerrero Flores was indicted by a New York federal court in December 2025. Social media posts showed footage of a bomb hitting a green-roofed building. While civilian casualty reports remain unconfirmed, Venezuelan and Colombian officials have previously criticized such operations as unlawful. The action follows January 2026's US detention of President Maduro under interim leader Rodríguez's cooperation. Asahi Shimbun+2

🤝 Unusual Bilateral Cooperation

This marks unprecedented collaboration between historically adversarial nations, with Trump praising Venezuela's role in the mission. The operation occurred amid ongoing US sanctions against Tren de Aragua, designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization for transnational crimes. Venezuelan authorities confirmed participation, though regional governments have condemned past US military actions in Venezuela. Tagesschau.de+2

⚖️ Legal and Political Context

Guerrero Flores faced multiple US indictments for organized crime and terrorism before his elimination. The strike continues Trump administration policies targeting cartel leaders, following the controversial abduction of Maduro. Experts note this could temporarily disrupt Tren de Aragua's operations but may trigger violent internal succession struggles. Asahi Shimbun+2

🌍 Regional Security Impact

The elimination of Latin America's most wanted gang leader represents a significant blow to transnational crime networks. However, the long-term effectiveness remains uncertain as Tren de Aragua operates across multiple countries. The operation highlights shifting counter-narcotics strategies involving direct military action against foreign criminal organizations. Chosun Ilbo+2

VenezuelaDonald TrumpTren de AraguaUS Southern CommandHéctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores