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This audacious escape of Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado entailed a long, frightening and soaking sea crossing in the dead of night, as detailed by the US veteran who says he led the operation.

A Perilous Nocturnal Crossing

Bryan Stern, who leads a rescue nonprofit, outlined the mission in a newly published media appearance. “It was dangerous. It was scary,” stated Stern, a US special forces veteran, recounting dark and choppy conditions that simultaneously offered ideal concealment for the flight.

“The sea conditions were ideal for us, but not water you'd choose to sail on ... the bigger the swells, the more difficult radar detection becomes,” Stern said.

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

A Detailed Extraction

Machado embarked on his boat for a 13- to 14-hour trip 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, extremely low visibility, vessels running dark. All of us were pretty wet. My crew and I were drenched. She was pretty cold and wet, too. She had a very arduous journey,” Stern added.

Describing her condition, he said, She was elated. She was thrilled. She was very tired,” adding that about twenty-four people were directly involved within his organization.

Verification and Concealment

A representative for Machado verified that Stern’s company was behind the extraction, which began on Tuesday. This report follows earlier stories that Machado used a wig and costume to leave her hideout in a outskirts of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

The veteran declined to share specifics about the ground segment, citing his organization's ongoing operations in the region.

Funding and American Role

He stated publicly the endeavor was financed by “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 clarified, though, that his group did “unofficially collaborate” with the American armed forces regarding positioning and plans, primarily to prevent being targeted by airstrikes.

Future Plans and Inspiration

Machado said she had American backing to depart Venezuela. She has announced plans to go back, though it is not clear the method or timing.

Stern said his group would not be involved in a return mission, as it focuses exclusively on getting people out of countries, not bringing them back. “She must decide that for herself. Personally, I advise against returning. Yet she is determined. She is a genuine inspiration,” he said.