U.S. war veteran Bryan Stern, who headed the covert maritime‑and‑disguise operation that extracted Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, said on Friday that he would be “delighted” to take part in a mission to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power, though he warned that doing so alive would be extremely difficult.
Background of the Machado rescue
Stern, founder of the Bull Rescue Foundation—a group that describes itself as specializing in the rescue of Americans and allies from conflict zones—revealed that the operation to get Machado out of Venezuela was funded by “generous donors,” whom he linked to Venezuelan‑American citizens opposed to Maduro’s government. The escape, he said, lasted between 15 and 16 hours and involved land, sea and air transport, enabling Machado to attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Norway.
Possible extraction of President Maduro
In a virtual press conference Stern stated, “I would love to, and I think about it every day, but getting him out alive is difficult. Killing him would probably be fairly easy, but getting him out alive and bringing him to justice I think would be very hard.” He emphasized that his organization is not composed of “sicarios or assassins,” but of people who “save lives,” and that any U.S. request would be considered based on “what the request is.”
Implications and possible next steps
If the United States were to enlist Stern’s group for a Maduro extraction, the mission could face several scenarios. A successful, non‑lethal removal might provide a diplomatic foothold for a transition, but the difficulty Stern described could lead to a failed attempt or an operation that ends in the leader’s death, which could further destabilize Venezuela. Analysts expect that any U.S. request would be weighed against broader geopolitical priorities and the potential fallout in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Bryan Stern?
He is a U.S. war veteran and founder of the Bull Rescue Foundation, a group that focuses on rescuing Americans and allies from conflict zones.
What was the purpose of the operation that rescued María Corina Machado?
The operation aimed to evacuate the Venezuelan opposition leader from the country so she could attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Norway.
What did Stern say about a possible operation against President Nicolás Maduro?
Stern said he would be delighted to participate, but noted that extracting Maduro alive would be very difficult, while killing him would likely be easier.
What are your thoughts on the challenges of conducting such a high‑risk rescue operation?