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This audacious escape of political leader María Corina Machado involved a long, “scary” and soaking boat journey in the pitch black of night, according to the American man who claims to have commanded the mission.

A Dangerous Nighttime Crossing

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

He recalled rendezvousing with Machado offshore after she departed from the country, where she had been in hiding since August 2024 fearing persecution by the government of President Nicolás Maduro.

The Detailed Extraction

Machado embarked on his boat for a half-day trip to an secret location to catch a plane, as part of planned just four days earlier. The operation occurred at midnight – very little moon, a little bit of cloud cover, very hard to see, boats have no lights. Everyone was quite damp. My crew and I were drenched. She was pretty cold and wet, too. She endured a grueling passage,” Stern noted.

Describing her condition, he commented, “She was very happy. She was thrilled. She was very tired,” adding that about two dozen people were directly involved within his organization.

Confirmation and Disguise

A representative for Machado verified that Stern’s company was responsible for the extraction, which began on Tuesday. This report comes after earlier stories that Machado wore a wig and a disguise to leave her safe house in a outskirts of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

The veteran declined to share details about the land operation, referencing his company’s future work in the region.

Funding and US 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 said, however, that his group did “unofficially collaborate” with the American armed forces regarding positioning and plans, primarily to prevent being mistakenly fired upon.

Next Steps and Admiration

The opposition leader stated she had US support to leave Venezuela. She has declared her intention to go back, though the specifics remain uncertain how or when.

Stern said his group would play no part in that operation, 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 said.