In a remarkable operation, an American private rescue team spent approximately 15 to 16 hours extracting Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado from her homeland. The arduous mission culminated in her safe arrival in Norway, where she was set to receive her prestigious Nobel Peace Prize and reunite with her family. The vast majority of this time was spent navigating rough seas, as detailed by Bryan Stern, a U.S. special forces veteran and head of the Grey Bull Rescue Foundation.
In an interview with CBS News, Stern described the challenging maritime conditions that marked the rescue operation. “No one was enjoying that ride, especially Maria,” he recounted, emphasizing that throughout the operation, stress levels were high. “No one's blood pressure was low, throughout any phase of this operation, including mine. It was dangerous. It was scary,” Stern added. The treacherous sea conditions, while ideal for their covert activities, posed significant risks, particularly with high waves making radar visibility difficult.
Machado, who has been living in hiding for nearly a year due to threats from President Nicolas Maduro's regime, faced substantial risks during her extraction. Stern pointed out, “She has a very large target on her back. This is not a random shopkeeper who doesn't want to be in Venezuela anymore. This is moving around a rock star.” He emphasized the high-profile nature of Machado’s situation, making this rescue both one of the most challenging and rewarding missions his organization has ever undertaken.
The operation, which had to be meticulously planned in just four days, involved around two dozen team members directly, with additional support from various individuals providing intelligence, logistics, and translation services. “We’ve been preparing for operations in Venezuela for months,” Stern explained, noting the critical nature of the planning phase. Funding for the operation came from generous donors, with Stern asserting that no U.S. government funds were involved.
While the operation was executed without direct government involvement, Stern acknowledged he had unofficially collaborated with the U.S. military to ensure safety and avoid any misidentification during the operation. He clarified misinformation regarding other extraction specialists linked to the Trump administration, stating, “I’m the contractor who specializes in extractions, and I’ve never been hired by Donald Trump.”
One of the most perilous moments during the rescue occurred when Machado boarded Stern's boat. “Personally, I was starstruck. She’s a hero of mine,” he shared, recalling the intense emotions of that encounter. The extraction took place during the night, under cover of darkness, which provided a strategic advantage but also made for an uncomfortable journey. “By the time she climbed aboard, all of us were pretty wet. My team and I were soaked to the gills,” he recounted, adding that Machado was also cold and tired but elated to be on her way to safety.
Although Machado arrived in Oslo too late to attend the Nobel Prize ceremony, Stern emphasized that the operation's true success lay in preserving her life rather than merely ensuring her attendance at the award event. “From my perspective at least, her life was the most important aspect of this,” he stated, highlighting the emotional weight of her reunion with her children after two long years apart. “It was a blessing to facilitate that reunion,” he remarked, showcasing his admiration for Machado’s resilience and dedication to her family.
Despite her successful escape, Machado expressed intentions to return to Venezuela, a decision that raised concern for Stern. “I think she’s crazy,” he said, advising her against returning to a country where she faces grave danger. When asked if Grey Bull would assist her in re-entering Venezuela, Stern clarified, “We’ve never done an infil, we’ve only done exfil.” Thus, the decision rests solely with Machado, who he acknowledges is an incredibly strong individual, often referred to as the “Iron Lady.”
In conclusion, the operation to rescue María Corina Machado not only exemplifies the risks involved in such high-stakes missions but also highlights the profound impact of her fight for freedom. Her story continues to inspire many, and the efforts of teams like Grey Bull Rescue Foundation serve as a testament to the lengths taken to support courageous leaders in the face of adversity.