The United States and Venezuela are in a very serious disagreement. The US government, led by President Trump, is putting strong pressure on Venezuela's leader, Nicolás Maduro. The US is using diplomacy and also sending many soldiers and warships to the Caribbean Sea. They say they are there to stop drug trafficking. However, many people believe the US really wants to change Venezuela's government.
The problem became worse after a phone call between President Trump and President Maduro in November. President Trump asked Maduro to resign immediately and leave the country. Maduro refused. He said he wanted to negotiate and would not give up control of the military. President Trump later said simply, "It was a phone call."
At the same time, the US sent around 15,000 troops and an aircraft carrier group near Venezuela. The US says a drug cartel led by Maduro is a terrorist group. Since September, US forces have attacked at least 21 boats they suspect of carrying drugs. Dozens of people have died. One attack in early September is especially controversial. Some US officials think it might have been a war crime.
President Maduro is telling the Venezuelan people that the US is attacking their country's freedom. He says the US wants to control Venezuela's natural resources. He told a big crowd, "We do not want a slave's peace!"
This situation is very dangerous. The US's strong demands and military presence make diplomacy difficult. Inside the US, people are asking if the anti-drug operations are legal and right. As both sides continue their actions, the future looks uncertain and risky for the people of Venezuela.