A US precision air strike has taken out a high-ranking leader of the Tren de Aragua gang in Venezuela, sources confirm. The strike, which occurred early this morning local time, targeted a compound in the outskirts of Caracas. The gang, notorious for its transnational criminal operations including drug trafficking, human smuggling, and money laundering, has long been a priority target for US law enforcement.
President Trump, in a hastily arranged press conference from the White House, claimed personal credit for the operation, stating, "This is a victory for law and order. We will not rest until every last criminal is brought to justice."
However, questions remain about the legality of the strike, conducted without the consent of the Venezuelan government. Critics argue it violates international law and could escalate tensions in an already volatile region. The identity of the deceased gang leader has not been officially confirmed, but sources indicate he was among the most wanted fugitives in the hemisphere.
This operation marks a significant escalation in the US's direct action against organised crime abroad. The Treasury Department is expected to announce new sanctions against Tren de Aragua's financial networks within days. For now, the streets of Caracas are quiet, but the fallout from this strike will be felt for months.
