A daring rescue operation led by U.S. Special Forces veteran Bryan Stern successfully extracted Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado from a precarious situation at sea. The mission culminated in Machado’s safe arrival in Oslo, Norway, where she is set to accept the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. This operation highlights the lengths to which veterans are willing to go to support democracy in Venezuela, as Machado has faced significant threats from the regime of President Nicolás Maduro.
Machado, a prominent figure in Venezuelan politics, had spent over a year evading capture after a contested election in 2024, where she reportedly secured a substantial number of votes against Maduro. Despite this, Maduro’s government refused to relinquish power, pursuing opposition figures aggressively. Following her Nobel recognition, Machado feared traveling to Oslo, concerned about potential capture by Maduro’s forces. It was at this crucial moment that Stern, the founder of the Grey Bull Rescue Foundation, recognized the need for action.
Operation Golden Dynamite
Stern’s team, experienced in high-stakes rescues, swiftly devised a plan dubbed “Operation Golden Dynamite,” a nod to the Nobel Prize founder Alfred Nobel. The mission required careful planning, as ground routes were deemed too risky due to the high likelihood of detection. Instead, the team opted for a maritime approach, despite the inherent dangers of navigating the Caribbean waters under such circumstances.
The context surrounding the operation was fraught with tension. Recent U.S. military actions against suspected drug trafficking vessels had led to the sinking of approximately 27 boats, raising the stakes for any maritime operation in the region. Stern coordinated with military officials to ensure they were informed about the rescue, selecting a vessel that would not attract attention from U.S. forces.
As the operation unfolded, complications arose. The boat carrying Machado did not arrive at the predetermined meeting point, prompting Stern’s team to adapt quickly. “We were supposed to meet in the middle, but when that couldn’t happen, we pivoted and went to them,” he explained. The team’s vessel navigated through ten-foot waves, shrouded in darkness, relying on flashlights to maintain communication and orientation.
A Moment of Courage
When they finally reached Machado, the tension was palpable. Stern and his team feared potential encounters with government agents or drug cartels, which heightened the stakes of the operation. “I could be Maduro’s guys, I could be cartel guys — anything really,” he noted, reflecting on the risks involved in approaching another vessel in the dead of night.
Upon successfully locating Machado, she was pulled aboard, and the team set course for what is believed to be Curacao, where a private plane awaited to transport her to safety. Stern expressed admiration for Machado’s resilience and tenacity during their brief encounter, acknowledging her reputation as the “Iron Lady” of Venezuela. He remarked, “She’s gnarly… pretty awesome,” illustrating his respect for her courage in the face of adversity.
This rescue not only underscores the personal risks faced by Machado but also the dedication of veterans like Stern who are willing to lend their skills to support democratic ideals. As the world watches, Machado’s journey from the Caribbean to Oslo stands as a powerful testament to the ongoing struggle for democracy in Venezuela.
