The capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by US forces on January 3 marked a sharp escalation in Washington’s pressure campaign against Venezuela, with President Donald Trump declaring that the United States is now “in charge” and signaling potential action beyond Venezuela’s borders.
The tensions between the two countries started long ago, when Hugo Chávez was the president of Venezuela. But the conflict has intensified in the last several months. To learn more, click through for a brief history of the often fraught relationship between the United States and Venezuela.