Venezuela's President Maduro says US flights for migrants 'affected' by recent events

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro stated on Saturday that scheduled flights to return Venezuelan migrants from the United States had been disrupted by “this unexplained, tremendous commotion” after the Trump administration revoked Chevron’s licence to operate in the South American country.

Earlier in his speech, Maduro stated that if it were up to him, Chevron would stay in Venezuela, referring to US President Donald Trump’s decision last week to revoke a major licence for the firm, citing a lack of progress on democratic changes and migrant repatriation.

However, Maduro did not specifically cite the company’s name in relation to the migrant flights. He stated that contact between the two nations and aircraft had been disrupted.

Maduro and his government have always rejected sanctions by the U.S. and others, saying they are illegitimate measures that amount to an “economic war” designed to cripple Venezuela.

Maduro and his allies have cheered what they say is the country’s resilience despite the measures, though they have historically blamed some economic hardships and shortages on sanctions.