The United States has long been a vocal supporter of Juan Guaidó, the Venezuelan opposition leader who has been at the forefront of efforts to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
US Economic Sanctions Continue to Bite
The US has imposed a range of economic sanctions on Venezuela, targeting the country's oil industry and limiting its access to international credit markets.
The sanctions have had a devastating impact on the Venezuelan economy, which was already in a state of crisis before Maduro took power in 2013.
Guaidó's US Visit Sparks Optimism
Guaidó's recent visit to the US was seen as a significant boost to his campaign to oust Maduro, and sparked optimism among Venezuelan opposition supporters.
The meeting with US officials was seen as a sign that the US is committed to supporting Guaidó's efforts to challenge Maduro's rule.
Venezuela's Pro-Maduro Government Pushes Back
Despite the US support for Guaidó, the Maduro government remains in power, and has accused the US of interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs.
The Venezuelan government has also accused Guaidó of being a puppet of the US, and has vowed to crack down on any opposition to Maduro's rule.
The ongoing power struggle between Guaidó and Maduro continues to dominate the headlines in Venezuela, and the US support for Guaidó is seen as a significant development in the crisis.