CARACAS, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The Venezuelan government said on Friday that Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, known as "Nino Guerrero," was killed in a security operation in southeastern Venezuela.

The operation took place in Bolivar state, an area described as a corridor for illicit activities linked to criminal networks. Caracas said it targeted organized crime groups operating in the region and was carried out jointly with U.S. authorities.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Communication and Information, clashes broke out between security forces and members of the groups during the operation, in which Guerrero Flores, leader of the Tren de Aragua criminal gang, was killed.

Authorities said the operation dismantled organized crime groups and was supported by specialized technology and bilateral intelligence-sharing and coordination mechanisms between the two countries. ■