President Donald Trump announced on June 12, 2026, that the alleged leader of the Tren de Aragua gang was killed in a U.S. military strike conducted in Venezuela. The operation targeted Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, known by his alias Niño Guerrero, at a gang compound in southeastern Bolívar state, according to statements from U.S. and Venezuelan officials.
The strike was carried out by U.S. Southern Command in cooperation with Venezuelan security agencies, marking a significant joint operation between the two nations against what the State Department designated as a foreign terrorist organization in February 2025.
Main developments
President Trump confirmed the military action in a statement describing the operation against the alleged gang leader. “At my direction, the United States Southern Command delivered a swift and lethal kinetic strike to successfully execute Niño Guerrero, the infamous leader of Tren De Aragua, one of the most bloodthirsty Terrorist Organizations on Planet Earth,” Trump stated.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that U.S. forces carried out the attack on the Tren de Aragua compound located in southeastern Bolívar state, Venezuela. The Venezuelan government also confirmed the joint operation took place.
According to Venezuelan authorities, clashes occurred during the operation with members of criminal groups. “During the operation, clashes occurred with members of these criminal groups, resulting in the neutralization of Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores — alias ‘Niño Guerrero’ — the leader of a criminal organization,” Venezuelan officials stated.
President Trump emphasized the operation fulfilled a campaign promise. “During my Campaign, I pledged to expel these monsters from our Country, and bring Justice to the families of those they slaughtered. With this action, the United States Military has brought retribution for them, their families, and their loved ones,” Trump said.
What we know so far
The confirmed facts surrounding this military operation include the following key details based on official statements from U.S. and Venezuelan authorities:
U.S. Southern Command conducted the military strike in Venezuela on June 12, 2026. The operation was a joint effort between U.S. and Venezuelan security agencies. The target was a Tren de Aragua compound located in southeastern Bolívar state.
Guerrero Flores had been charged in December with racketeering conspiracy and lending support to terrorists. The State Department had offered a $5 million reward for information leading to his arrest. In July of last year, Guerrero Flores was sanctioned by the U.S. government alongside five other alleged Tren de Aragua leaders.
The State Department designated Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization in February 2025, setting the legal framework for counterterrorism operations against the group.
Officials described the operation as demonstrating bilateral commitment to fighting criminal organizations. “The operation underscores the shared U.S. and Venezuelan commitment to take the fight to narco-terrorists and deny them any safe haven in our hemisphere,” according to official statements.
Background on U.S.-Venezuela cooperation
The joint operation comes after significant changes in the relationship between the United States and Venezuela. Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was arrested and removed from the country in early January. Maduro is currently in federal custody in New York facing charges of narco-terrorism.
This military action is part of a broader campaign by U.S. forces in the region. Since September, the U.S. military has struck dozens of alleged drug boats, resulting in at least 207 people killed in those operations.
The cooperation between U.S. and Venezuelan security forces in this strike represents a marked shift in bilateral relations that has enabled joint counterterrorism operations on Venezuelan soil.
Charges against Guerrero Flores
Prior to the strike, Guerrero Flores faced serious federal charges in the United States. He was charged in December with racketeering conspiracy and lending support to terrorists. These charges were filed as part of U.S. efforts to target the leadership structure of Tren de Aragua.
The State Department offered a $5 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Guerrero Flores, reflecting the priority U.S. law enforcement placed on apprehending him. In July of last year, the U.S. government sanctioned Guerrero Flores alongside five other alleged Tren de Aragua leaders as part of a coordinated effort to disrupt the organization’s operations.
The designation of Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization in February 2025 provided additional legal authorities for U.S. agencies to pursue the group and its leadership.
What happens next
The death of the alleged Tren de Aragua leader, as announced by Trump and confirmed by Venezuelan authorities, may have significant implications for the organization’s operations. However, the full impact of this strike on the gang’s activities remains to be seen.
U.S. officials have indicated continued commitment to targeting criminal organizations in the hemisphere. The joint nature of this operation suggests ongoing cooperation between U.S. and Venezuelan security agencies may continue in future counterterrorism efforts.
No independent verification of Guerrero Flores’ death has been reported beyond the statements from U.S. and Venezuelan government officials. Details about the number of casualties in the strike and information about other individuals who may have been present at the compound have not been disclosed.
Important details
The strike targeted a compound in southeastern Bolívar state, Venezuela. The specific location within Bolívar state has not been disclosed by officials.
Guerrero Flores was alleged to be the leader of Tren de Aragua, though he had not been convicted of the charges against him at the time of the strike. He faced charges of racketeering conspiracy and lending support to terrorists filed in December.
The $5 million reward that had been offered for information on Guerrero Flores reflects the high priority U.S. authorities placed on locating him. The six alleged Tren de Aragua leaders sanctioned in July of last year, including Guerrero Flores, were targeted as part of efforts to disrupt the organization’s leadership.
Since September, U.S. military operations against alleged drug boats have resulted in at least 207 deaths, demonstrating the scale of ongoing military action in the region targeting criminal activities.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Niño Guerrero?
Niño Guerrero was the alias of Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, the alleged leader of Tren de Aragua. He was charged in December with racketeering conspiracy and lending support to terrorists, with a $5 million reward offered for information leading to his arrest.
What is Tren de Aragua?
Tren de Aragua is a criminal organization that the State Department designated as a foreign terrorist organization in February 2025. President Trump described it as one of the most dangerous terrorist organizations.
Where did the U.S. strike take place?
The U.S. military strike took place at a Tren de Aragua compound in southeastern Bolívar state, Venezuela. The operation was conducted by U.S. Southern Command in cooperation with Venezuelan security agencies.
Was this a joint operation?
Yes, the strike was a joint operation between U.S. Southern Command and Venezuelan security agencies. Both governments confirmed their cooperation in the operation.
The announcement of the alleged Tren de Aragua leader’s death marks a significant development in U.S. counterterrorism efforts in the Western Hemisphere. President Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth have confirmed U.S. military involvement in the strike, while Venezuelan authorities have corroborated that the operation resulted in the neutralization of Guerrero Flores.
