How a US Military Vet Aided the Venezuelan Opposition Leader Escape Her Homeland

This audacious escape of political leader María Corina Machado entailed a lengthy, frightening and soaking boat journey in the dead of night, as detailed by the American man who claims to have commanded the operation.

The Dangerous Nocturnal Voyage

Bryan Stern, who leads a nonprofit rescue organisation, outlined the mission in a recent interview. It was perilous. It was terrifying,” said Stern, an ex-special forces operative, describing dark and choppy conditions that also provided 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 more difficult radar detection becomes,” he remarked.

He described meeting Machado out at sea after she left Venezuela, where she had been lying low since August 2024 due to fear of targeting by the administration of President Nicolás Maduro.

The Detailed Escape Plan

Machado embarked on his boat for a 13- to 14-hour trip 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, a little bit of cloud cover, very hard to see, boats have no lights. Everyone was quite damp. My crew and I were drenched. She was pretty cold and wet, too. She endured a grueling passage,” Stern added.

Regarding her state, he said, “She was very happy. She was very excited. She was exhausted,” adding that about two dozen people were actively participating within his team.

Confirmation and Concealment

Spokespeople for Machado confirmed that Stern’s foundation was behind the extraction, which began on Tuesday. This report comes after previous reporting that Machado used a wig and costume to flee her safe house in a outskirts of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

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

Funding and US Involvement

He stated publicly the endeavor was financed by “a few generous donors” – with no US government figures involved. “The US government did not contribute a single penny, at least not that I know of,” Stern asserted.

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

Future Plans and Admiration

Machado said she had US support to leave Venezuela. She has declared her intention to go back, though the specifics remain uncertain how or when.

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