New Delhi: Maria Corina Machado, considered the loudest voice of democracy and starchy rights in Venezuela, finally reached Norway, where she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. It was an emotional moment for her, although she could not be present at the ceremony. Her daughter Ana Corina Sosa wonted the ribbon on her behalf and said that her mother wanted to return to her country soon, as her struggle was far from over.
Why was it so difficult to get Machado to safety?
Machado had been living in hiding for the past scrutinizingly year. There have been many cases of arrests and threats versus leaders who have raised their voices versus the government of President Nicolas Maduro. Machado was moreover in danger, so leaving Venezuela was not easy. According to Brian Stern, a former US Special Forces officer who runs the Gray Bull Rescue Foundation, the unshortened operation to rescue him was like a movie mission.
How was this secret operation carried out?
The team got only a few days to plan. The first step was to rescue Machado from the place where she had been hiding for months. Multiple vehicles were used to take them out of the municipality so that no one could track the vehicle. Routes were reverted frequently, and isolated routes were chosen to stave surveillance. Eventually they were brought to a dimly lit coastal area, where a small wend was waiting. Machado quickly topside the wend and within a short time reached the middle of the sea.
Was the sea voyage the hardest part?
According to Stern, the night was so dumbo that plane the hand could not be seen. Strong winds and upper waves were constantly rocking the boat. No lights were lit so that no one could get suspicious from a distance. After struggling in the sea for well-nigh 13–14 hours, Machado was taken to a secret location, where arrangements were made for a second wend and later a unscratched flight. Despite the fatigue, cold, and prolonged stress, Machado kept repeating that she wanted to meet her children.
En vivo | Inicia rueda de prensa con la líder de Venezuela y Premio Nobel de la Paz @MariaCorinaYA
Conéctate aquí: https://t.co/OuqXjE9izQ#ElNobelEsNuestro pic.twitter.com/VYCLhtDj2s
— Comando ConVzla (@ConVzlaComando) December 11, 2025Did America officially siphon out this mission?
Stern says that this mission was completed with the help of private donors; it was not officially funded by the US government. However, he admitted that informal coordination was maintained with the US Army so that any misunderstanding would not jeopardize the operation. It was moreover said that removing a personality as famous and at risk as Machado has never been increasingly challenging.
Will Machado now return to her country?
After reaching Norway, Machado unmistakably said that returning to Venezuela was his priority. She has to protract his political fight. Stern tried to stop them, but she unmistakably said that their struggle would protract within the country. For this reason she is tabbed the “Iron Lady” of Venezuela.
