How a US Special Forces Vet Aided the Venezuelan Opposition Leader Flee Her Homeland

This audacious getaway of political leader María Corina Machado entailed a lengthy, frightening and very wet boat journey in the dead of night, according to the US veteran who claims to have commanded the mission.

A Dangerous Nocturnal Voyage

The rescue organizer, who heads a nonprofit rescue organisation, outlined the operation in a recent media appearance. “It was dangerous. It was terrifying,” stated Stern, an ex-special forces operative, describing rough and moonless seas 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,” he remarked.

He described meeting Machado out at sea after she left the country, where she had been in hiding since August 2024 due to fear of persecution by the administration of President Nicolás Maduro.

The Detailed Extraction

Machado embarked on his boat for a half-day journey to an undisclosed location to catch a plane, as part of orchestrated just four days earlier. The operation occurred at midnight – minimal moonlight, some cloud coverage, very hard to see, boats have no lights. All of us were pretty wet. My crew and I were drenched. She was also chilled and wet. She had a very arduous journey,” Stern added.

Describing her condition, he said, “She was very happy. She was very excited. She was very tired,” and noted about twenty-four people were directly involved within his organization.

Verification and Concealment

Spokespeople for Machado confirmed that Stern’s company was behind the operation, which began on Tuesday. This account follows previous reporting that Machado used a wig and costume to leave her safe house in a suburb of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

Stern did not divulge specifics about the land operation, citing his organization's ongoing operations in the country.

Financing and US Role

He told media the endeavor was funded through “a few generous donors” – with no US officials involved. “The US government did not contribute a single penny, to my knowledge,” Stern said.

He clarified, though, that his group did “unofficially collaborate” with the US military regarding positioning and plans, primarily to prevent being targeted by airstrikes.

Future Plans and Inspiration

Machado said she had American backing to leave 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 a return mission, as it worked only on getting people out of countries, not in. “That’s for her to determine for herself. Personally, I advise against returning. But she wants to. Maria is truly inspirational,” he said.