Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Jun 14: US President Donald Trump on Sunday claimed that American forces had carried out a strike that killed Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, the alleged leader of the notorious Venezuelan criminal organisation Tren de Aragua.

In a statement, Trump said the operation targeted Guerrero Flores, who is widely known by the alias "Niño Guerrero" and is considered the founder and top leader of the transnational gang.

The President described the strike as a major success in the fight against organised crime and transnational criminal networks, stating that US authorities would continue pursuing individuals and groups posing threats to regional and national security.

Tren de Aragua, which originated in Venezuela, has expanded its operations across several countries in Latin America and has been linked to crimes including human trafficking, extortion, drug smuggling, kidnapping and violent offences. The gang has increasingly drawn the attention of law enforcement agencies across the Americas due to its growing international presence.

However, immediate independent confirmation of Guerrero Flores' death was not available, and Venezuelan authorities had not issued an official response to Trump's claim at the time of reporting.

US officials also did not immediately release operational details regarding the reported strike, including its location or the circumstances under which it was carried out.

The development comes amid ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to crack down on transnational gangs and organised criminal groups operating in the Western Hemisphere.

Further details are awaited as authorities provide additional information on the operation and its outcome.