The Way a American Special Forces Vet Aided María Corina Machado Flee Venezuela

This audacious escape of Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado entailed a lengthy, frightening and soaking boat journey in the pitch black of night, as detailed by the US veteran who claims to have commanded the operation.

A Dangerous Nighttime Crossing

Bryan Stern, who leads a nonprofit rescue organisation, outlined the mission in a newly published media appearance. It was perilous. It was scary,” said Stern, an ex-special forces operative, describing rough and moonless seas that also provided convenient cover for the flight.

“The ocean was perfect for our purposes, but not water you'd choose to sail on ... the higher the waves, the more difficult radar detection becomes,” he remarked.

He described rendezvousing with Machado offshore after she departed from Venezuela, where she had been in hiding for over a year due to fear of targeting by the government of President Nicolás Maduro.

The Detailed Extraction

She boarded his boat for a half-day journey to an undisclosed location to catch a plane, in a mission orchestrated just days before. “This was in the middle of the night – very little moon, some cloud coverage, extremely low visibility, boats have no lights. All of us were pretty wet. My crew and I were drenched. She was also chilled and wet. She endured a grueling passage,” Stern added.

Describing her condition, he commented, “She was very happy. She was thrilled. She was very tired,” adding that about two dozen people were directly involved within his organization.

Confirmation and Disguise

Spokespeople for Machado confirmed that Stern’s company was responsible for the operation, which began on Tuesday. This account comes after earlier stories that Machado used a wig and costume to leave her hideout in a outskirts of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

The veteran declined to share specifics about the ground segment, referencing his company’s future work in the country.

Financing and US Role

He stated publicly the mission was financed by “several benefactors” – with no US government figures involved. Official US funds were not used, at least not that I know of,” Stern said.

He clarified, though, that his group did “unofficially collaborate” with the American armed forces regarding locations and strategy, primarily to prevent being mistakenly fired upon.

Next Steps and Admiration

The opposition leader stated she had American backing to leave Venezuela. She has declared her intention to return home, though it is not clear how or when.

Stern indicated his group would not be involved in that operation, as it focuses exclusively on extracting individuals from countries, not in. “She must decide that for herself. Personally, I advise against returning. Yet she is determined. Maria is truly inspirational,” he said.