**Excerpt:** A U.S. rescue team successfully extracted Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado from her country amid tense conditions, allowing her to receive her Nobel Peace Prize in Norway.
Key Points:
– The rescue operation lasted 15 to 16 hours, primarily at sea.
– María Corina Machado had been in hiding for nearly a year due to threats from the Maduro regime.
– The Grey Bull Rescue Foundation led the operation, which involved around two dozen team members.
– Machado was reunited with her children in Norway after the extraction.
– The mission was funded by private donors, with no direct financial support from the U.S. government.
Detailed Article
Operation Overview
An American private rescue team successfully extracted Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado from Venezuela, allowing her to travel to Norway to receive her Nobel Peace Prize. The operation, conducted by the Grey Bull Rescue Foundation, took between 15 to 16 hours, much of which was spent navigating rough seas.
The Rescue Team
Bryan Stern, a U.S. special forces veteran and head of Grey Bull, described the operation as both challenging and rewarding. He emphasized the high stakes involved, as Machado had been living in hiding for nearly a year, fearing persecution from President Nicolás Maduro’s government. According to Stern, “She has a very large target on her back,” highlighting the danger of her situation.
Execution of the Operation
The team faced significant risks due to Machado’s high profile and the defensive posture of the Maduro regime amidst U.S. military activity nearby. The operation was planned in just four days and involved a variety of logistical and intelligence support, with around two dozen team members directly engaged.
Once Machado was safely aboard a boat, Stern welcomed her for a 13-14 hour journey to an undisclosed location where she could catch her flight to Oslo. Despite the challenging conditions, Stern noted, “she was very happy…very excited…but also very tired.”
Financial Aspects
Stern clarified that the operation was funded by private donors and that the U.S. government did not provide financial support. However, there was unofficial collaboration with U.S. military personnel to ensure the mission’s safety and positioning.
Aftermath and Future Plans
Machado arrived in Oslo but missed the Nobel Prize ceremony due to the lengthy operation. Stern expressed that while the ceremony was important, the primary objective was to ensure Machado’s safety. He added, “From my perspective at least, her life was the most important aspect of this.”
Upon receiving her Nobel Peace Prize, Machado expressed her intention to return to Venezuela, a plan Stern cautioned against due to the inherent risks. The mission provided a significant reunion for Machado with her children after two years apart, marking a poignant moment in a challenging journey.
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