Venezuela's Army Is Facing A Desertion Crisis

Bloomberg: Venezuela's Rank-and-File Soldiers Have Been Deserting in Droves

Even before the U.S.-backed leader of Venezuela’s National Assembly called on the military to abandon President Nicolas Maduro, the government was trying to stop a surge of desertions and ordered border guards to stop soldiers trying to leave the country without permission. Two documents illustrate the erosion of the armed forces. One lists about 4,300 national-guard officers who deserted since

Two documents illustrate the erosion of the armed forces. One lists about 4,300 national-guard officers who deserted since 2014, giving their ranks and serial numbers. Signed by the guard’s commander, Major General Jesus Lopez Vargas, the Dec. 21 order removes them from rolls. All are non-commissioned officers or enlisted men and women and represented about 6 percent of the guard. The second, d

Read more ....

WNU Editor: These arrests are not going to stop the desertions .... Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro orders multiple arrests within military to squelch dissent (Miami Herald).

More News On The Crisis

In Venezuela
Venezuelan military blocking aid from Colombia, says opposition -- France 24
Venezuela crisis: Military 'blocks aid corridor' -- BBC
Venezuela's funds transfer blocked, opposition lawmaker says -- Reuters
The Bank of England has refused to give back $1.56 billion in Venezuelan gold after countries around the world say the regime is illegitimate -- Business Insider
Collapse Of Health System Sends Venezuelans Fleeing To Brazil For Basic Meds -- NPR
Venezuela: Inside the hospital with no medicine -- SKY News
'Pray for me': Venezuela's vulnerable elderly live on little as country crumbles -- CBC
'All of these pieces are lining up for something terrible' in Venezuela -- Yahoo News
How hunger is fueling Venezuela's fast-rising opposition -- CBS
Factbox: Guaido vs. Maduro - Who is backing Venezuela's two presidents -- Reuters