President Trump confirmed a joint U.S.-Venezuela operation that eliminated Niño Guerrero, a founder of Tren de Aragua, in Bolívar state. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the strike hit a compound housing the 43‑year‑old gang boss, who faces U.S. federal terrorism charges. The raid marks the first overt military cooperation since Washington recognized the new Venezuelan administration.

The operation relied on shared intelligence, with Venezuelan forces surrounding the target before U.S. Southern Command launched the attack. Trump posted video of the explosion, calling it retribution for victims in Georgia and Texas. The gang, originally a prison crew, now runs drug, sex‑trafficking and human‑smuggling networks across Latin America and several U.S. cities.

The kill removes a figure for whom the Biden administration offered a $5 million reward and could disrupt the syndicate’s cash flow into the United States. Law‑enforcement agencies anticipate a short‑term dip in Tren de Aragua’s cross‑border shipments, though analysts warn the organization’s decentralized structure may quickly replace its leadership.