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This audacious getaway of political leader María Corina Machado entailed a long, “scary” and soaking sea crossing in the dead of night, as detailed by the US veteran who says he led the operation.

The Perilous Nocturnal Crossing

The rescue organizer, who heads a nonprofit rescue organisation, outlined the mission in a recent media appearance. “It was dangerous. It was scary,” stated Stern, an ex-special forces operative, describing dark and choppy conditions that also provided convenient cover for the escape.

“The ocean was perfect for our purposes, but certainly not water that you would want to be on ... the higher the waves, the harder it is for radar to see,” he remarked.

He described rendezvousing with Machado offshore after she departed from Venezuela, where she had been lying low for over a year due to fear of targeting by the government of President Nicolás Maduro.

The Step-by-Step Escape Plan

Machado embarked on his boat for a 13- to 14-hour journey to an undisclosed location to catch a plane, as part of planned 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 team and I were soaked to the gills. She was pretty cold and wet, too. She had a very arduous journey,” Stern added.

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

Confirmation and Concealment

Spokespeople for Machado verified that Stern’s company was responsible for the extraction, which began on Tuesday. This report comes after previous reporting that Machado wore a wig and a disguise to flee her safe house in a suburb of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

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

Financing and American Involvement

He told media the endeavor was funded through “a few generous donors” – with no US officials involved. Official US funds were not used, to my knowledge,” Stern asserted.

He clarified, though, that his group did coordinate informally with the US military regarding locations and strategy, largely to avoid being targeted by airstrikes.

Future Plans and Inspiration

Machado said she had American backing to leave Venezuela. She has declared her intention to go back, though the specifics remain uncertain how or when.

Stern indicated his group would not be involved in a return mission, as it worked only on getting people out of countries, not bringing them back. “She must decide that and for her to decide. But I think she should not go back. But she wants to. Maria is truly inspirational,” he said.