Trump says US strike killed Tren de Aragua gang boss with Venezuela help

Former President Donald Trump stated on March 19, 2024, that a U.S. strike, conducted with assistance from Venezuela, killed Hector Guerrero Flores, the leader of the Tren de Aragua gang. Trump asserted that Flores, who had been directing the expansive criminal syndicate from Venezuela for years, was eliminated by U.S. forces. This operation marks a significant development in the U.S. effort to dismantle transnational criminal organizations operating across borders. The Tren de Aragua, originating in Venezuela, has expanded its operations significantly in recent years, engaging in activities such as extortion, kidnapping, and human trafficking across multiple South American countries and into the United States. The reported cooperation with Venezuelan authorities, if confirmed, would represent a notable shift in bilateral relations concerning law enforcement and security matters. Trump emphasized the importance of this action in combating international crime and securing U.S. borders.