Venezuelas Rank-and-File Soldiers Have Been Deserting in Droves

(Bloomberg Quint) Andrew Rosati and Ethan Bronner February 06 2019 8:17 AM Even before the U.S.-backed leader of Venezuelas 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 4300 national-guard officers who deserted since 2014 giving their ranks and serial numbers. Signed by the guards 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 dated Nov. 13 is signed by Luis Santiago Rodriguez Gonzalez director of the countrys immigration service. It orders personnel at entry and exit points to prevent members of the military and retirees on reserve duty from going abroad without specific authorization. Current and former members of the military familiar with official papers examined the documents and said they are authentic. Spokesmen from Venezuelas defense ministry didnt respond to requests for comment on the desertions or restrictions on soldiers travel.