MarĂa Corina Machado, the recipient of this year's Nobel Peace Prize, required an organized operation to travel from Venezuela to the award ceremony in Oslo.
Machado had spent over a year in hiding following an election in which her opposition movement challenged President Nicolás Maduro.
The Extraction Team
This extraction mission was led by Bryan Stern, a U.S. Special Forces Veteran and founder of the Grey Bull Rescue Foundation. Stern's team, composed of U.S. military veterans, has conducted multiple extractions globally. Stern stated that the high profile of Machado presented unique challenges for this particular operation.
Operation Planning and Challenges
The team, operating under the name "Operation Golden Dynamite," had one week to plan the extraction. A land route was deemed unfeasible due to numerous checkpoints, leading to the decision for a sea-based movement.
Stern coordinated with U.S. officials regarding their presence in waters off Venezuela's coast, an area where the U.S. military has recently interdicted alleged narco-trafficking vessels. The team intentionally selected a boat design that would not resemble those typically used by narco-traffickers to avoid potential targeting.
During the execution, an initial complication arose when Machado's transport did not arrive at the planned Caribbean Sea rendezvous point. The Grey Bull team subsequently adjusted their course to meet her vessel.
The Sea Transfer
The transfer occurred in darkness amidst 10-foot waves. Crew members on both vessels expressed caution regarding the identity of the approaching party, citing concerns about potential cartel or government agents.
Upon nearing, Machado identified herself, and Stern facilitated her transfer aboard his vessel. The subsequent journey to a Caribbean island, widely reported as Curaçao, proceeded without further incident. A private aircraft then transported her to Oslo.
Stern noted Machado's composure throughout the challenging maritime conditions, stating she did not express discomfort despite the difficult environment endured by the team.