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

The Perilous Nocturnal Voyage

The rescue organizer, who leads a nonprofit rescue organisation, detailed the mission in a newly published interview. It was perilous. It was terrifying,” stated Stern, a US special forces veteran, recounting dark and choppy conditions that also provided ideal concealment for the flight.

“The ocean was perfect for our purposes, but not water you'd choose to sail on ... the bigger the swells, the harder it is for radar to see,” he remarked.

He recalled meeting Machado out at sea after she left the country, where she had been lying low for over a year due to fear of persecution by the administration of President Nicolás Maduro.

A Detailed Extraction

Machado embarked on his boat for a half-day trip to an secret location to catch a plane, as part of orchestrated just four days earlier. The operation occurred at midnight – minimal moonlight, a little bit of cloud cover, very hard to see, boats have no lights. 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.

Regarding her state, he said, “She was very happy. She was thrilled. She was very tired,” adding that about two dozen people were directly involved within his team.

Confirmation and Disguise

Spokespeople for Machado confirmed that Stern’s company was behind the extraction, which began on Tuesday. This account comes after earlier stories that Machado used a wig and costume to flee her hideout in a outskirts of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

Stern did not divulge specifics about the land operation, citing his company’s future work in the region.

Funding and American Role

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

He said, however, that his group did “unofficially collaborate” with the American armed forces regarding positioning and plans, primarily to prevent being targeted by airstrikes.

Next Steps and Admiration

Machado said she had American backing to depart Venezuela. She has declared her intention to return home, though the specifics remain uncertain the method or timing.

Stern indicated his group would not be involved in that operation, as it worked only on extracting individuals from countries, not in. “She must decide that for herself. Personally, I advise against returning. But she wants to. Maria is truly inspirational,” he concluded.