Veteran Urges Rescued Machado to Avoid Returning to Venezuela

The recent rescue mission of Nobel laureate María Corina Machado from Venezuela has drawn significant attention. Bryan Stern, a veteran and founder of the Grey Bull Rescue Foundation, led the operation and is urging Machado not to return to her homeland.

Details of the Rescue Mission

The extraction effort lasted almost 16 hours and primarily took place at night. Stern described it as the most delicate operation his team had ever conducted. The journey began from the Venezuelan coast, where Machado boarded a boat to a pre-arranged meeting point at sea.

Challenges and Risks

As Stern explained, the mission was particularly perilous due to Machado’s high profile. She was under scrutiny from Venezuelan intelligence, Cuban agencies, and even parts of Russian intelligence due to her nomination for the Nobel Prize. This attention made the operation riskier than any previous missions, which included over 800 operations and the rescue of more than 8,000 individuals.

• Operation Duration: Nearly 16 hours
• High-Profile Risks: Increased attention from multiple intelligence agencies
• Previous Operations: 800 missions, over 8,000 rescues

Machado’s Journey to Norway

Following her extraction, Machado flew to Norway, where she was set to accept her Nobel Peace Prize. She boarded a plane that departed from Curaçao, with a stop in Bangor, Maine. Shortly after arriving in Oslo, Machado experienced a warm reception from supporters, marking her first public appearance in almost a year.

Implications of Returning

During a virtual press conference, Stern revealed that he has cautioned Machado against returning to Venezuela. He emphasized the potential dangers she could face, including arrest and torture. Despite her desire to lead her people, Stern believes her safety must come first.

Machado’s team has not confirmed the specifics of the rescue operation, nor clarified the extent of U.S. government support, although Machado had indicated having some backing. The Dutch Embassy in Caracas stated that they played no part in her escape.

Conclusion

As calls for Machado to remain outside of Venezuela grow, she stands as a symbol of hope for many Venezuelans. Her journey, fraught with dangers, highlights the complex realities faced by political dissidents in her home country. Stern’s plea for her to stay away echoes the broader concerns surrounding safety for those opposing the Venezuelan regime.