How a American Special Forces Vet Assisted María Corina Machado Flee Venezuela

The audacious getaway of Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado involved a long, “scary” and soaking boat journey in the dead of night, as detailed by the US veteran who says he led the operation.

A Dangerous Nighttime Voyage

Bryan Stern, who leads a nonprofit rescue organisation, outlined the mission in a recent media appearance. “It was dangerous. It was terrifying,” stated Stern, a US special forces veteran, recounting dark and choppy conditions that simultaneously offered convenient cover for the flight.

“The sea conditions were ideal for us, but not water you'd choose to sail on ... the higher the waves, the harder it is for radar to see,” Stern said.

He recalled meeting Machado out at sea after she left the country, where she had been in hiding for over a year fearing targeting by the administration of President Nicolás Maduro.

The Step-by-Step Escape Plan

She boarded his boat for a half-day trip to an secret location to catch a plane, in a mission planned just days before. The operation occurred at midnight – minimal moonlight, some cloud coverage, extremely low visibility, vessels running dark. Everyone was quite damp. My team and I were soaked to the gills. She was also chilled and wet. She had a very arduous journey,” Stern noted.

Regarding her state, he commented, “She was very happy. She was thrilled. She was very tired,” and noted about twenty-four people were directly involved within his organization.

Confirmation and Disguise

Spokespeople for Machado confirmed that Stern’s foundation was behind the extraction, which began on Tuesday. This report comes after earlier stories that Machado wore a wig and a disguise to flee her hideout in a outskirts of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

Stern did not divulge specifics about the land operation, referencing his company’s future work in the region.

Funding and US Role

He stated publicly the endeavor was funded through “several benefactors” – with no US government figures involved. “The US government did not contribute a single penny, to my knowledge,” Stern asserted.

He said, however, that his group did coordinate informally with the US military regarding positioning and plans, largely to avoid being targeted by airstrikes.

Next Steps and Admiration

The opposition leader stated she had American backing to depart Venezuela. She has announced plans to return home, though it is not clear how or when.

Stern said his group would not be involved in that operation, as it focuses exclusively on getting people out of countries, not bringing them back. “She must decide that and for her to decide. Personally, I advise against returning. But she wants to. She is a genuine inspiration,” he concluded.