The toll of political unrest in Venezuela has been high, with at least 23 deaths and 1,581 arrests since the July election, according to human rights groups. There is speculation that if President Maduro continues to lose support, the military could turn against him. While the opposition’s presidential candidate has called on security forces not to repress the people, experts believe that the military is unlikely to desert Maduro in the near future due to personal interests.
However, some believe that the military’s support for Maduro may not be as unified as it seems, with widespread sympathy for the opposition among security forces. Thousands of members of the armed forces have deserted in recent years, indicating potential cracks in support for the government.
Despite the military’s reaffirmed loyalty to Maduro, many believe that the opposition’s strength could lead to a change in leadership. One witness to the fall of a previous dictator in Venezuela expressed hope that another authoritarian leader would be toppled in her lifetime.
As tensions continue to escalate in Venezuela, the role of the military in potentially shifting allegiances remains a key concern. With support for the opposition growing and internal divisions within the military emerging, the future of President Maduro’s government remains uncertain.
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