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This daring getaway of political leader María Corina Machado entailed a long, “scary” and very wet boat journey in the pitch black of night, as detailed by the US veteran who says he led the operation.

A Dangerous Nocturnal Crossing

The rescue organizer, who leads a rescue nonprofit, outlined the operation in a recent media appearance. “It was dangerous. It was scary,” said Stern, a US special forces veteran, recounting dark and choppy conditions that also provided ideal concealment for the flight.

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

He described rendezvousing with Machado offshore after she left the country, where she had been in hiding for over a year due to fear of targeting by the government of President Nicolás Maduro.

The Detailed Escape Plan

She boarded his boat for a half-day journey to an undisclosed location to board a flight, in a mission planned just days before. The operation occurred at midnight – 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 had a very arduous journey,” Stern added.

Regarding her state, he commented, “She was very happy. She was very excited. She was exhausted,” adding that about two dozen people were directly involved within his organization.

Confirmation and Disguise

Spokespeople for Machado confirmed that Stern’s company was responsible for the extraction, which commenced earlier in the week. This account comes after previous reporting that Machado wore a wig and a disguise to leave her hideout in a suburb of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

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

Financing and American Role

He told media the endeavor was financed by “several benefactors” – with no US government figures involved. Official US funds were not used, to my knowledge,” Stern asserted.

He clarified, though, that his group did coordinate informally with the American armed forces regarding locations and strategy, primarily to prevent being targeted by airstrikes.

Future Plans and Inspiration

Machado said she had American backing to leave Venezuela. She has announced plans to go back, 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 and for her to decide. Personally, I advise against returning. Yet she is determined. Maria is truly inspirational,” he concluded.