It took a dedicated American rescue team about 15 hours to safely extract Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado from her country. She was on her way to Norway to receive her Nobel Peace Prize and reunite with her family after nearly two years apart. The journey included navigating rough seas, and Bryan Stern, the leader of the operation, expressed that “no one was enjoying that ride.”
Stern, a U.S. special forces veteran and head of the Grey Bull Rescue Foundation, described the operation as both challenging and rewarding. Machado has been living in hiding, fearing persecution from President Nicolás Maduro’s regime. Stern acknowledged the risks involved, saying, “She has a very large target on her back.” Unlike someone looking for a better life, Machado is a prominent figure in opposition to the government, which added to the complexity of the rescue.
This was a historic operation for Grey Bull. “She’s the first Nobel Prize winner we’ve ever rescued,” Stern remarked. He pointed out that Machado holds significant status in Venezuela, where support for her is evident through public protests.
The operation required careful planning. The team had only four days to prepare, but they had been gearing up for such actions in Venezuela for months. Funding came from private donors, with Stern confirming no U.S. government money was used. However, there was unofficial collaboration with U.S. military for safety reasons.
The extraction involved meticulous coordination. After fleeing to a boat, Machado and Stern embarked on a tense 13-14 hour journey to safety. It was a covert operation, set against the backdrop of the Caribbean’s dark and stormy weather, making navigation tricky. Stern described the environment as “the most unforgiving domain.”
When they finally met, Stern felt a mix of awe and admiration for Machado. “I was starstruck,” he shared. Despite the challenges, she was happy and relieved once they reached safety. “Her life was the most important aspect of this,” Stern reflected.
Machado’s daughter accepted the Nobel Prize on her behalf, and while there were discussions about her potentially returning to Venezuela, Stern advised against it. He deems her a true freedom fighter and remains dedicated to her cause.
Recent trends in social media show a surge of support for Machado, with hashtags reflecting public admiration and solidarity. Her story has become a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity, inspiring many who share her fight for freedom.
For more details on her recognition, you can refer to Nobel Prize’s official site.
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Venezuela, María Corina Machado
