Venezuelan Security Force Members Defect by the Hundreds, says Colombia

HAVANA TIMES – A total of 326 members of the Venezuelan security forces have deserted and crossed over to Colombia since Saturday, said Colombia’s immigration authority on Tuesday morning, reported dpa news.

A total of 326 soldiers and police have arrived in Colombia since the Venezuelan opposition launched an operation to deliver humanitarian aid into the country 72 hours ago.

Interim president Juan Guaido has promised amnesty to officers and troops of the armed forces that abandon the repressive forces carrying out Maduro’s attempt to block humanitarian aid from reaching the country.

The vast majority of the disserting forces have entered the department of Norte de Santander, where an aid storage center is located.

Others have sought assistance from the Colombian immigration authorities in the departments of Arauca and La Guajira, as well as in the cities of Valledupar, Cartagena de Indias, Medellin and Bogota, the capital.

Some came in uniform and others in civilian attire, said Christian Krueger Sarmiento, director of Immigration. Some came with their families. Many of the security force members have requested asylum in Colombia.