Quito: Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa condemned on Sunday his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolas Maduro, for refusing to accept deported Venezuelan migrants, calling the move a "miserable" act that reflects authoritarian governance. On X, Noboa accused Maduro of retaliating against the US decision to revoke Chevron's operating license in Venezuela by blocking the return of deported Venezuelan nationals.

According to Anadolu Agency, Noboa stated that Maduro has publicly claimed that flights to receive deported migrants have been 'affected.' Behind closed doors, Venezuela has warned the United States that after the revocation of Chevron's operating license, they would implement this measure as retaliation. Noboa criticized Venezuela's stance, arguing that rejecting its own citizens demonstrates "a complete lack of empathy."

Noboa further commented on the situation, saying, "This is how authoritarian and extremist regimes act, without caring about the fate of those fleeing the crisis they themselves caused." His remarks highlight the escalating tensions between Ecuador and Venezuela, as well as ongoing regional disputes over migration policies.

With economic instability and political repression driving millions of Venezuelans to flee their country, Maduro's refusal to accept deported Venezuelans could lead to further diplomatic clashes, particularly with the US and Latin American nations dealing with migrant influxes. Meanwhile, the US decision to revoke Chevron's license to operate in Venezuela has further strained relations between Washington and Caracas.

The license had previously allowed the American energy giant to continue operations in Venezuela despite sanctions. Its withdrawal came amid concerns over Maduro's lack of commitment to democratic reforms. In response, Venezuela has accused the US of economic aggression and has taken steps that critics say worsen the humanitarian crisis by leaving Venezuelan deportees stranded in foreign countries.