Colombian security forces captured a senior leader of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, the U.S. Southern Command announced on Friday, hailing the arrest as a result of stronger military cooperation between the historically close allies. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
The capture on Thursday of Luis Saúl Pérez Nieto, identified as a high-ranking member of the Tren de Aragua group, was confirmed by the Southern Command. The operation took place amid deepening security cooperation between Colombia and the United States.
According to the Associated Press, the arrest was confirmed by a statement from the Southern Command, which described the move as a sign of strengthening military ties between the two nations.
This event followed the announcement of joint initiatives to bolster security in Bogota, Colombia's capital. President Abelardo De la Espriella and Bogota's Mayor Carlos Fernando Galan presented a plan to enhance security through increased police presence, intelligence, technology, and urban capabilities.
Additionally, in Chile, Chief Prosecutor Hector Barros spoke at a press conference regarding suspected Tren de Aragua members Rafael Enrique Gámez Salas, known as "El Turko," and Alfredo Camilo Carrillo Ortiz, known as "El Gocho," who were extradited from the U.S. and Colombia.
These developments underscore the importance of international cooperation in combating drug trafficking and criminal groups in the region. The security partnership between the U.S. and Colombia is deepening, with continued joint actions against shared threats.