The Way a American Military Vet Aided María Corina Machado Escape Her Homeland
This daring getaway of Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado involved a lengthy, frightening and soaking boat journey in the dead of night, according to the US veteran who claims to have commanded the operation.
A Dangerous Nighttime Voyage
The rescue organizer, who leads a rescue nonprofit, outlined the mission in a recent media appearance. “It was dangerous. It was scary,” stated Stern, a US special forces veteran, recounting dark and choppy conditions that simultaneously offered convenient cover for the escape.
“The sea conditions were ideal for us, but not water you'd choose to sail on ... the bigger the swells, the more difficult radar detection becomes,” he remarked.
He recalled rendezvousing with Machado offshore after she left Venezuela, where she had been in hiding for over a year due to fear of persecution by the government of President Nicolás Maduro.
A Detailed Escape Plan
Machado embarked on his boat for a half-day journey to an secret location to catch a plane, as part of 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 pretty cold and wet, too. She had a very arduous journey,” Stern added.
Regarding her state, he said, She was elated. She was thrilled. She was exhausted,” adding that about two dozen people were actively participating within his organization.
Confirmation and Disguise
Spokespeople for Machado verified that Stern’s foundation was responsible for the operation, which commenced earlier in the week. This report comes after earlier stories that Machado used a wig and costume to leave her safe house in a outskirts of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.
Stern did not divulge details about the land operation, citing his company’s future work in the country.
Funding and American Role
He stated publicly the endeavor was financed by “a few generous donors” – none of whom were US officials involved. Official US funds were not used, at least not that I know of,” Stern said.
He clarified, though, that his group did “unofficially collaborate” with the US military regarding locations and strategy, primarily to prevent being mistakenly fired upon.
Future Plans and Admiration
The opposition leader stated she had US support to leave Venezuela. She has announced plans to go back, though the specifics remain uncertain how or when.
Stern indicated his group would play no part in that operation, as it worked only on getting people out of countries, not in. “That’s for her to determine for herself. Personally, I advise against returning. But she wants to. Maria is truly inspirational,” he concluded.
