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This audacious getaway of political leader María Corina Machado involved a long, “scary” and soaking sea crossing in the pitch black of night, as detailed by the US veteran who claims to have commanded the mission.

A Perilous Nocturnal Crossing

Bryan Stern, who leads a nonprofit rescue organisation, outlined the operation in a recent media appearance. “It was dangerous. It was terrifying,” said Stern, an ex-special forces operative, recounting rough and moonless seas that also provided ideal concealment for the escape.

“The sea conditions were ideal for us, but certainly not water that you would want to be on ... the bigger the swells, the harder it is for radar to see,” Stern said.

He recalled meeting Machado out at sea after she departed from the country, where she had been lying low for over a year fearing persecution by the government of President Nicolás Maduro.

A Step-by-Step Extraction

Machado embarked on his boat for a half-day trip to an secret location to catch a plane, as part of planned just days before. “This was in the middle of the night – minimal moonlight, a little bit of cloud cover, extremely low visibility, vessels running dark. All of us were pretty wet. My team and I were soaked to the gills. She was also chilled and wet. She endured a grueling passage,” Stern added.

Regarding her state, he said, “She was very happy. She was thrilled. She was exhausted,” and noted about twenty-four people were directly involved within his organization.

Confirmation and Disguise

Spokespeople for Machado verified that Stern’s foundation was behind the extraction, which began on Tuesday. This report follows earlier stories that Machado wore a wig and a disguise to leave her hideout in a suburb of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

Stern did not divulge specifics about the ground segment, referencing his company’s future work in the region.

Financing and American Role

He told media the endeavor was financed by “several benefactors” – with no US officials involved. “The US government did not contribute a single penny, at least not that I know of,” Stern asserted.

He said, however, that his group did “unofficially collaborate” with the US military regarding locations and strategy, largely to avoid being mistakenly fired upon.

Next Steps and Admiration

The opposition leader stated she had American backing to depart Venezuela. She has announced plans to return home, though the specifics remain uncertain the method or timing.

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 and for her to decide. Personally, I advise against returning. But she wants to. She is a genuine inspiration,” he said.