The leader of the Tren de Aragua gang, Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, was killed during a coordinated operation between the United States and Venezuela. This joint mission took place in the southeastern Bolivar state, a region known for its rich mineral resources and longstanding issues with illegal mining activities. Venezuelan authorities confirmed their involvement in the strike, which targeted organized crime groups that have historically controlled illegal operations in the area.
Bolivar's location, bordering Brazil and Guyana, makes it a strategic area for criminal enterprises linked to mining. These illegal operations have often operated with the suspected complicity of local military and government figures. The elimination of the gang leader represents a major setback for criminal networks in the region and highlights the collaborative efforts between the US and Venezuelan governments to tackle organized crime.