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A number of defectors spoke to the BBC
Venezuelan soldiers who arrived in Colombia on Saturday said they feared for the safety of their families under the government of President Nicolás Maduro.
Speaking exclusively to BBC's Orla Guerin, a 23-year-old defector expressed concern about forces loyal to the president who could "attack my family."
"But I think it was the best decision I could have made," he adds.
More than 100 soldiers reportedly defected, most during deadly clashes for Saturday deliveries.
Tensions were high after President Maduro sent troops to block roads and bridges at the borders of neighboring countries, Brazil and Colombia, where US-sponsored drug and food supplies were to enter the country. country.
At various checkpoints, Venezuelan security forces fired tear gas at volunteers and protesters setting fire to outposts and throwing stones at soldiers and riot police.
Beaten and bruised
By Orla Guerin, BBC News, Colombia, near the Venezuelan border
We met the deserters – men and women – one day after laying down their arms and leaving their posts. They found refuge in a Catholic church, with a discreet security presence on the outside.
Some seemed shocked by the violent scenes of the weekend when Venezuelan troops fired on their own people with tear gas and rubber bullets.
The parish priest who greeted them told us that many were beaten and bruised. The deserters said they fled because their country of origin needed change and their children needed food. After talking to a relative on the phone, a young officer cried openly.
Most of those we met were soldiers on foot. They said senior leaders were still tied – by corruption – to President Nicolás Maduro, and that he would fight to stay in power.
But they said that he had lost the base that put his trust in the leader of the opposition, Juan Guaidó.
What do the defectors say?
After agreeing to speak with the BBC on condition of anonymity, a group of Venezuelan deserters based in a church in Cucuta described what prompted them to leave President Maduro's armed forces.
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"Many professional troops want to do this, it will be a domino effect, which will have a significant influence on the armed forces," said a 29-year-old man.
"The armed forces broke down because of so many corrupt officers.
"Professional soldiers are tired, we can not remain slaves, we are free," he added.
Another defector, a woman, described Saturday's atmosphere as "tense," adding, "I thought I could not harm my people.
"My daughter is still in Venezuela and that's what hurts her the most, but I did it for her, it's hard because I do not know what they're doing. could do it to him. "
A third said he was suffering to see the Venezuelan people fight in the streets for humanitarian aid.
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Protesters clashed with Venezuelan security forces on the borders of Colombia and Brazil
"I felt helpless and useless, I suffered from everything that was going on," he said.
What is the last?
On Sunday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that President Maduro's days were being counted as a result of the deadly events of this weekend.
"Choosing the exact days is difficult, and I am convinced that the Venezuelan people will ensure that the days of Maduro are counted," Pompeo told CNN.
At least two people died in Saturday's clashes between civilians and troops loyal to Maduro.
- In pictures: border clashes
The self-proclaimed interim president, Juan Guaidó, recognized by more than 50 countries, called on other countries to consider "all measures" to overthrow Maduro after the opposition's efforts to bring down the aid. in clashes.
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Venezuelan police prevented aid from crossing Simon Bolivar International Bridge
He also announced that he would attend a meeting of most Latin American countries in Colombia on Monday, despite the travel ban imposed by Mr. Maduro. US Vice President Mike Pence will represent Washington at the Bogota talks.
A senior White House official said Sunday that Pence plans to announce "concrete measures" and "actions" to address the crisis in Monday's talks, the news agency reported. Reuters.
At the same time, Colombia and Brazil have said that they would step up the pressure on Mr. Maduro for him to relinquish power. US President Donald Trump has not ruled out an armed response to the Venezuelan crisis.
In addition, a boat carrying US aid from Puerto Rico to Venezuela was forced to land on the small Dutch island of Curaçao after being intercepted by the Venezuelan Navy off the north coast, AFP news agency reported. .
The vessel was allegedly loaded with nine freight containers containing food and medicine.
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The supply ship that had to dock on the island of Curacao
Maduro, who claims to be the legitimate president and backed by key economic allies such as Russia, Cuba and China, warned that foreign aid supplies would pave the way for US military intervention.
Guaidó, who declared himself acting president last month, claims that alleged irregularities with the 2018 national election make Maduro's leaders illegitimate.
What happened at the border on Saturday?
The opposition of Venezuela had the intention of peacefully bringing aid trucks over the borders with Brazil and Colombia.
Mr Guaidó had promised that help would arrive in the country on Saturday. In response, Maduro partially closed the country's borders.
Venezuelan civilians tried to cross over to the food and medicine stores, but the attempt soon escalated into bloody violence.
Soldiers opened fire on civilians using a mixture of live ammunition and rubber bullets.
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Video footage showed Venezuelan soldiers hitting their armored vehicles on the Colombian border to defect.
Another video posted on social media appeared to show four soldiers publicly denouncing the president and announcing their support for Guaidó.
Mr. Guaidó promised amnesty to the defectors when they joined the "right side of history".
How did we get there?
Humanitarian aid stored in Colombia and Brazil is at the center of a confrontation between MM. Maduro and Guaidó, which dates back to the controversial reelection of Mr. Maduro in 2018.
Venezuela has been in the grip of a political and economic crisis for several years.
An uncontrollable rate of inflation has led to soaring prices, leaving many Venezuelans struggling with necessities.
More than three million people have fled Venezuela in recent years, according to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR.
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