In a remarkable operation, a group of U.S. veterans successfully rescued Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado from the Caribbean Sea and transported her to safety in Oslo, Norway. The mission, orchestrated by former U.S. Special Forces veteran Bryan Stern, involved a high-stakes nighttime extraction as Machado sought to evade capture by the regime of President Nicolás Maduro.
Machado, who was awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts in promoting democracy, had been in hiding for over a year after a contentious election in 2024, where she significantly outperformed Maduro in the popular vote. Despite this, Maduro refused to relinquish power and actively targeted opposition figures. Machado’s decision to accept her Nobel Prize posed a significant risk, as she feared arrest by Venezuelan authorities during her travel.
Stern, the founder of the Grey Bull Rescue Foundation, mobilized his team to devise a plan for Machado’s escape, which they dubbed “Operation Golden Dynamite.” This name pays homage to Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite and the Peace Prize itself. The operation was challenging from the outset; with land routes deemed too dangerous due to the likelihood of recognition, the team opted for a maritime approach.
The rescue encountered immediate complications when Machado’s boat failed to reach the designated rendezvous point. As Stern recounted, “We were supposed to meet in the middle, but when that couldn’t happen, we pivoted and went to them.” Navigating through treacherous waters, the team faced ten-foot waves and total darkness. Communication was fraught with tension, as both vessels feared potential encounters with government agents or drug traffickers.
As the team closed in, Stern and his crew heard Machado’s voice cutting through the night, signaling their successful rendezvous. They managed to pull her aboard and then set course for an undisclosed island, believed to be Curaçao, where a private plane awaited to fly her to Norway.
Stern expressed admiration for Machado’s determination and resilience. He had long respected her fight for democracy in Venezuela and noted that her reputation as the “Iron Lady” was well-deserved. As they journeyed to freedom, Stern found himself inspired by her strength and resolve, stating, “She’s gnarly… pretty awesome.”
This daring mission exemplifies the lengths to which veterans and activists will go to protect individuals fighting for democracy in oppressive regimes. The successful extraction of Machado not only marks a significant moment for her personally but also highlights the ongoing struggles faced by those opposing authoritarian rule in Venezuela.
