Trump says leader of Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang killed in US strike

Donald Trump announced on Friday that the United States military killed Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, a leader of the Venezuelan street gang Tren de Aragua, in a "swift and lethal kinetic strike." Trump stated on Truth Social that the operation was conducted "at my direction" by the United States Southern Command and that Venezuela provided assistance. Guerrero Flores was described as the "infamous leader" of Tren de Aragua, which Trump characterized as "one of the most bloodthirsty Terrorist Organizations on Planet Earth." The strike aimed to neutralize Guerrero Flores, who was a significant figure within the transnational criminal organization known for its involvement in various illicit activities, including human trafficking, extortion, and murder. This action represents a coordinated effort between the U.S. and Venezuela to dismantle the gang's leadership and disrupt its operations.