Return of Venezuelan Migrants Amidst Political Tensions

A plane carrying 231 deported Venezuelan migrants from the US landed in Caracas, following the resumption of deportation flights. This event closely follows the capture of ex-President Nicolás Maduro on narcoterrorism charges in New York. Tensions heightened after US military actions against drug smuggling suspected to involve Venezuela.

A plane carrying 231 deported Venezuelan migrants landed in Caracas, Venezuela, on Friday, marking a resumption of flights from the United States. This development occurs nearly two weeks after former President Nicolás Maduro was apprehended and transported to New York facing drug trafficking charges.

The Eastern Airlines flight marks a reestablishment of deportation flights that Venezuelan officials say were unilaterally suspended by the US in mid-December, following tensions between the two countries. The previous direct deportation flight was recorded on December 10.

Although the two governments had agreed to regularize migrant return flights since late March, the process faced disruptions due to increased tensions. This was further fueled by US military operations against drug smuggling boats allegedly linked to Venezuela in international waters.

(With inputs from agencies.)