Venezuelan Opposition Figure Assisted in Travel to Oslo
MarĂa Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition figure, had been in hiding for over a year following her movement's electoral victory over President NicolĂ¡s Maduro in an election widely perceived as fraudulent. Her departure from Venezuela to Oslo for the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony involved a complex extraction operation.
Operation Details
Bryan Stern, a U.S. Special Forces veteran and founder of Grey Bull Rescue Foundation, led the mission. His organization, composed of U.S. military veterans, has conducted multiple extractions globally. The team, led by Stern, planned the mission, named 'Operation Golden Dynamite' in reference to Alfred Nobel, within a week.
Logistical Challenges and Execution
A land route was deemed unfeasible due to numerous checkpoints where Machado could be recognized. Consequently, a maritime route was selected. Considerations included the U.S. military's operations off the Venezuelan coast, which have resulted in the destruction of approximately two dozen suspected narco-trafficking vessels and 87 fatalities recently. Stern stated that coordination was maintained with U.S. officials regarding their presence in the operational area, and he opted for a vessel designed to avoid characteristics commonly associated with narco-trafficking boats.
A logistical issue arose when Machado's initial transport boat did not arrive at the planned rendezvous point in the Caribbean Sea. Stern stated that the team adjusted their plan, proceeding directly to Machado's location.
Nighttime Rendezvous
The transfer occurred in darkness amidst 10-foot waves, guided by flashlights. Both crews expressed apprehension regarding the identities of the approaching parties, a sentiment Stern described as indicative of a high-tension environment during nighttime sea encounters. Upon closer proximity, a voice identified itself as MarĂa, confirming Machado's presence.
Machado was then transferred to Stern's vessel. The subsequent journey to a Caribbean island, widely reported to be Curaçao, proceeded without incident. From there, a private aircraft transported her to Oslo. Stern observed Machado's composure and resilience during the challenging journey.