USVenezuela Tensions Escalate: What to Know

Tensions between the United States and Venezuela have reached their highest point in decades, as the Trump administration intensifies its military and counter-narcotics campaign in the Caribbean while signaling that direct talks and even direct military action remain on the table.The showdown is the product of years of deteriorating relations, disputed elections, drug trafficking allegations, and increasing U.S. pressure aimed at weakening Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro’s hold on power.