Venezuelan Prosecutors Announce Dismantling of Aragua Train Amidst Trump’s Terrorist Designation
Caracas, Venezuela – In a move that coincides with the recent US designation of several Venezuelan cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, the Venezuelan Attorney General’s Office announced the dismantling of the notorious transnational criminal group known as the Aragua train.
The proclamation, made via social media on Monday, claims the dismantling was achieved in two phases. The first phase, occurring in 2021, saw the arrest of several unnamed leaders. The second phase concluded in September 2023 with the clearance of Tocorón prison, a facility located in central Venezuela that had been under the control of the Aragua Train.
Despite these operations, the whereabouts of Héctor Guerrero, alias “El Niño Guerrero,” the group’s alleged leader, remain unknown. Guerrero, who is believed to have originated the gang in 2006 amidst an unfinished railway project, is currently listed as one of venezuela’s most wanted criminals.Both Chile and Colombia, where the Aragua Train has a presence, have offered rewards for details leading to his capture.
The Venezuelan Attorney General, Tarek William Saab, stated in a press release that the office is committed to fighting crime and resuming criminal cooperation with the united States to extradite venezuelan members of transnational criminal groups operating in the region. Saab also alleged that Colombian territory provides refuge for these criminals, hindering extradition efforts.
This announcement comes shortly after former president Donald Trump signed a decree designating the Aragua Train and other gangs as “global terrorist organizations.” The new US administration has emphasized its focus on expelling members of these groups.The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported the capture of 77 members of the Aragua Train in March 2023, debunking social media rumors linking Venezuelan migrants to the gang’s activities in the United States.
In July 2024, President Joe Biden included the Aragua Train on the list of transnational criminal organizations, and the CBP integrated the gang into its gang affiliation list in May. August 2024 saw the implementation of stricter detection measures to identify known or suspected members of the Aragua Train.
The US government’s designation highlights the Aragua Train’s perceived threat to the stability of the international order in the Western Hemisphere, underscoring concerns about the group’s reach and operations.
Venezuela’s Fight Against teh Aragua Train: An Expert Interview
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today,Dr. ramirez. the Venezuelan Attorney General’s Office recently announced the dismantlement of the Aragua Train, a notorious transnational criminal group. Can you tell us more about this advancement and its meaning?
Dr. Ramirez: Certainly. The Aragua Train, a gang with notorious origins in Venezuela’s prison system, has been a major concern for regional stability for years. Its tentacles stretch beyond Venezuela’s borders, into countries like Colombia and Chile. While the Venezuelan government claims too have successfully dismantled the gang, this is a complex issue with a long history.
Time.news Editor: What are the key details of this alleged dismantling, and what do you make of the Venezuelan government’s announcements?
Dr. Ramirez: The Venezuelan government claims this dismantling happened in two phases. The first involved arrests of high-ranking members in 2021. The second phase, recently concluded, involved clearing Tocorón prison from the gang’s influence. However, the whereabouts of Héctor Guerrero, the alleged leader, remain unknown. This raises questions about the complete effectiveness of these operations.
Time.news Editor: This announcement follows the US designation of the Aragua Train as a “global terrorist institution” under former President Trump. How has the US government been involved in countering this group?
Dr. Ramirez: The US has taken a strong stance against the Aragua Train.The US Customs and Border Protection, or CBP, has reported capturing numerous members of the group. Moreover, the Aragua Train was included in the biden governance’s list of transnational criminal organizations and integrated into the CBP’s gang affiliation list. These measures demonstrate the US’s commitment to disrupting the group’s operations and extraditing its members.
Time.news Editor: what are the implications of the US designating the Aragua Train as a terrorist organization?
Dr. Ramirez: This designation carries meaningful weight. it allows the US to implement stricter economic sanctions and collaborate more closely with international partners to combat the group. It also sends a strong message about the seriousness with which the US views the threat posed by the Aragua Train.
Time.news Editor: How might this development impact Venezuela and the surrounding region?
Dr. Ramirez: The dismantling of any powerful criminal organization is likely to have significant ramifications. We may see shifts in power dynamics within the criminal underworld, leading to potential instability or conflict. It also presents an opportunity for Venezuela to regain control over its territory and address the root causes of criminal activity, such as poverty and lack of opportunities.
Time.news Editor: What advice would you give readers about understanding the situation with the Aragua Train?
Dr. Ramirez: It’s significant to stay informed about developments from reliable sources. Avoid relying solely on social media,which can often spread misinformation. Be critical of information presented and consider it within the broader context of regional politics and crime. Remember, the situation is complex and evolving, so continuous monitoring is crucial.