The Way a American Military Vet Aided the Venezuelan Opposition Leader Flee Venezuela

The daring getaway of political leader María Corina Machado involved a lengthy, “scary” and very wet boat journey in the dead of night, according to the American man who says he led the mission.

A Dangerous Nighttime Crossing

Bryan Stern, who heads a rescue nonprofit, detailed the operation in a recent media appearance. It was perilous. It was scary,” said Stern, an ex-special forces operative, recounting dark and choppy conditions that simultaneously offered convenient cover for the escape.

“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 rendezvousing with Machado offshore after she left Venezuela, where she had been lying low for over a year due to fear of persecution by the administration of President Nicolás Maduro.

The Detailed Extraction

She boarded his boat for a half-day journey to an undisclosed location to board a flight, in a mission planned just four days earlier. The operation occurred at midnight – minimal moonlight, some cloud coverage, very hard to see, vessels running dark. All of us were pretty wet. My team and I were soaked to the gills. She was also chilled and wet. She endured a grueling passage,” Stern noted.

Describing her condition, he said, She was elated. She was thrilled. She was very tired,” and noted about two dozen people were actively participating within his organization.

Confirmation and Concealment

Spokespeople for Machado confirmed that Stern’s company was responsible for the operation, which commenced earlier in the week. This report follows earlier stories that Machado wore a wig and a disguise to flee her safe house in a outskirts of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

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

Funding and American Role

He told media the mission was funded through “several benefactors” – none of whom were US government figures involved. “The US government did not contribute a single penny, at least not that I know of,” Stern said.

He said, however, that his group did “unofficially collaborate” with the American armed forces regarding locations and strategy, largely to avoid being targeted by airstrikes.

Next Steps and Inspiration

The opposition leader stated she had US support to depart Venezuela. She has announced plans to go back, though it is not clear how or when.

Stern indicated his group would play no part in that operation, as it focuses exclusively on getting people out of countries, not bringing them back. “She must decide that for herself. But I think she should not go back. Yet she is determined. She is a genuine inspiration,” he said.