A joint operation conducted by the United States and Venezuela has resulted in the death of Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, the leader of the transnational gang Tren de Aragua, officials from both countries confirmed on Friday. The strike took place earlier this week at a compound in Bolívar state, located in southeastern Venezuela, according to statements from the Venezuelan Ministry of Communications and the U.S. Department of Defense.

Guerrero Flores, also known by his alias "Niño Guerrero," was identified as the head of Tren de Aragua, a group designated by the U.S. government as a foreign terrorist organization. The gang, which originated in a Venezuelan prison more than a decade ago, has since expanded its operations throughout Latin America—including Colombia, Peru, and Chile—and reportedly has connections extending to North America and Europe. The organization is accused of engaging in violent crime, drug trafficking, extortion, human smuggling, and sex trafficking.

The operation involved an intelligence-sharing arrangement between the two governments, alongside technological support, highlighting a renewed cooperation following the reinstatement of diplomatic relations earlier this year. The Venezuelan government acknowledged its participation in the strike, noting that clashes with criminal elements on site resulted in the death of Guerrero Flores. The area of Bolívar state is known for its mineral wealth and has been a hub for illegal mining activities linked to criminal groups.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the strike on his social media platform, stating that he had ordered the U.S. Southern Command to carry out a “swift and lethal kinetic strike” aimed at dismantling the gang’s leadership. Accompanying his announcement was a video showing an aerial view of a building exploding. Trump characterized Tren de Aragua as “one of the most bloodthirsty terrorist organizations on the planet” and emphasized that the operation demonstrated a commitment to denying the gang safe haven anywhere, including Venezuela.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and U.S. Southern Command leadership also confirmed the operation, expressing gratitude for the Venezuelan cooperation. U.S. federal prosecutors in New York had previously charged Guerrero Flores on racketeering, terrorism, drug importation, and firearms offenses. The U.S. State Department had offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to his arrest.

While the Trump administration has frequently cited Tren de Aragua as a primary source of violent crime and narcotics trafficking affecting the United States, some observers have questioned the extent of the gang's direct control and influence. The Venezuelan government, under the interim leadership of Delcy Rodriguez following Nicolás Maduro’s removal, has publicly supported the joint strike as part of broader efforts against organized crime. The operation marks a notable moment in the evolving dynamics between Washington and Caracas after years of strained relations.