According to the South China Morning Post, on June 12 local time, U.S. President Donald Trump posted on social media stating that U.S. military forces had killed Hector Lustenford Guerrero Flores, the leader of the Venezuelan gang 'Aragua Train'.
He also released a video crackdown.
Video Screenshot Released by Trump
Trump wrote: "Under my instructions, the U.S. Southern Command carried out a swift and deadly strike, successfully eliminating ‘Nenio Guerrero’—the notorious leader of the ‘Aragua Train’. The ‘Aragua Train’ is one of the most brutal terrorist organizations in the world."
Reports indicate that the name “Niniño Guerrero” written by Trump is actually an alias for Guerrero Flores.
Trump stated that "this action is in close coordination with our friends in Venezuela, and cooperation has been very smooth."
He said, “The ‘Aragua Train’ no longer has any safe haven in Venezuela or anywhere else. Under my leadership, we will always and everywhere bring to justice these brutal murderers and drug lords, and send them into the hell they deserve.”
He did not specify the time when this operation took place.
U.S. Defense Secretary Hagel posted on social media that the operation took place earlier this week, at a stronghold of the “Aragua Train” in Venezuela.
"Hegeese said that "this action demonstrates America's and Venezuela's determination to combat drug-related terrorist activity, and there will be no sanctuary for them on our hemisphere."
The Trump administration will list the "Aragua Train" criminal organization in Venezuela, among other global terrorist organizations, on a list for February 2025. The U.S. Department of State has offered a reward of up to $5 million for information that leads to the arrest of Gregorio Flores.
It is reported that Trump has taken a series of extreme measures against this gang, including targeting several small boats. The Trump administration accused these small boats of smuggling drugs into the United States.
Although a decrypted U.S. intelligence assessment contradicts this claim, Trump has repeatedly stated for months that the “Aragua Train” operated under the control of Venezuelan President Maduro.
