Former US President Donald Trump announced via his social media platform that American forces killed a prominent leader of the Tren de Aragua gang, operating in Venezuela. Trump stated the operation, conducted by the US Southern Command, was carried out at his direction. The targeted individual, identified as Hector, was a well-known figure within the criminal organization. Details surrounding the operation remain limited, but Trump characterized it as a swift and lethal success. News of the killing was first reported by Al Jazeera. The operation signals a potentially more assertive US approach to combating transnational criminal organizations operating near its borders. Further information regarding the circumstances and legal justification for the operation is expected to be released.