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The 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 US veteran who claims to have commanded the mission.

A Dangerous Nocturnal Crossing

The rescue organizer, who leads a nonprofit rescue organisation, detailed the operation in a newly published media appearance. “It was dangerous. It was terrifying,” said Stern, an ex-special forces operative, describing dark and choppy conditions that simultaneously offered ideal concealment for the flight.

“The ocean was perfect for our purposes, but certainly not water that you would want to be on ... the higher the waves, the more difficult radar detection becomes,” Stern said.

He described meeting Machado out at sea after she left Venezuela, where she had been in hiding for over a year fearing persecution by the government of President Nicolás Maduro.

The Detailed Escape Plan

She boarded his boat for a 13- to 14-hour trip to an undisclosed location to board a flight, in a mission orchestrated just days before. “This was in the middle of the night – minimal moonlight, some cloud coverage, very hard to see, vessels running dark. 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 thrilled. She was exhausted,” adding that about twenty-four people were directly involved within his team.

Verification and Concealment

Spokespeople for Machado confirmed that Stern’s company was behind the operation, which commenced earlier in the week. This report follows previous reporting that Machado used a wig and costume to flee her hideout in a suburb of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

The veteran declined to share details about the ground segment, referencing his company’s future work in the country.

Financing and US Involvement

He told media the mission was financed by “several benefactors” – none of whom were US officials involved. Official US funds were not used, to my knowledge,” Stern said.

He clarified, though, that his group did “unofficially collaborate” with the American armed forces regarding positioning and plans, largely to avoid being targeted by airstrikes.

Next Steps and Inspiration

The opposition leader stated she had US support to leave Venezuela. She has declared her intention to return home, though it is not clear how or when.

Stern said his group would not be involved in a return mission, as it focuses exclusively on extracting individuals from countries, not bringing them back. “She must decide that for herself. But I think she should not go back. Yet she is determined. Maria is truly inspirational,” he said.