Story perspectives

U.S. Airstrike Kills Venezuelan Gang Leader at Government's Request

6/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. forces, acting at Venezuela's invitation, carried out an airstrike that killed gang founder Héctor Guerrero.
The United States is providing intelligence, technology and military aid to Venezuela's government to push criminal groups from the gold-rich southern mining belt.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the strike was carried out like operations against al Qaeda or ISIS.
Provea warned the actions could raise the risk of arbitrary detentions.

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Story summary

U.S. forces, acting at Venezuela's invitation, carried out an airstrike that killed gang founder Héctor Guerrero.
The United States is providing intelligence, technology and military aid to Venezuela's government to push criminal groups from the gold-rich southern mining belt.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the strike was carried out like operations against al Qaeda or ISIS.
Provea warned the actions could raise the risk of arbitrary detentions.