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Sunday 22/02/2026

Venezuelan Opposition Leader María Corina Machado's Daring Escape to Oslo for Nobel Prize

María Corina Machado in a fishing skiff on the sea
Ethan BrooksEthan Brooks

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • María Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition leader, was successfully smuggled out of Venezuela to receive her Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo.
  • The operation, led by Bryan Stern of the Grey Bull Rescue Foundation, involved a perilous sea journey and disguises to evade detection.
  • Machado's escape was fraught with risks, including potential US military strikes, as tensions between the US and Venezuela escalate.
  • The clandestine mission, dubbed "Operation Golden Dynamite," was executed swiftly, with Machado reaching Norway just in time for the award ceremony.
  • Machado had been in hiding since disputed Venezuelan elections, highlighting the country's ongoing political turmoil.

In a dramatic and high-stakes operation, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado was successfully smuggled out of Venezuela to receive her Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo. The mission, dubbed "Operation Golden Dynamite," was orchestrated by Bryan Stern, a US special forces veteran and founder of the Grey Bull Rescue Foundation, an NGO specializing in rescue missions from conflict zones.

A Perilous Journey

The escape involved a treacherous sea voyage in a small fishing skiff, chosen for its inconspicuous appearance to avoid detection by both Venezuelan authorities and US military forces patrolling the region. Machado, disguised and accompanied by a team, faced 10-foot waves and the constant threat of being mistaken for a smuggler by US forces, who have intensified their presence in the Caribbean amid rising tensions with Venezuela.

From Hiding to Freedom

Machado had been in hiding since last year's disputed elections, which saw Nicolás Maduro accused of electoral fraud. Her journey to freedom began in a Caracas suburb, where she donned a wig and disguise to evade capture. After navigating multiple roadblocks, she reached a remote fishing port, where the daring sea escape commenced.

A Timely Arrival

The operation was executed with precision, allowing Machado to arrive in Oslo just in time for the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. Reflecting on her journey, Machado described it as a spiritual experience, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to reunite with her family and dedicate her award to political prisoners.

Political Implications

The successful extraction of such a high-profile figure underscores the ongoing political instability in Venezuela and the international community's interest in supporting opposition leaders. The operation also highlights the potential for further US involvement in the region, as tensions with the Maduro regime continue to escalate.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The successful escape of María Corina Machado could embolden other opposition figures in Venezuela, potentially leading to increased efforts to challenge Nicolás Maduro's regime. However, it may also provoke a stronger crackdown by Venezuelan authorities on dissenters. Internationally, the operation could strain US-Venezuela relations further, especially if the US is perceived as directly supporting opposition leaders. Experts suggest that the situation in Venezuela remains volatile, with potential for both diplomatic and military developments in the coming months.

Images from the Web

Additional article image
Image Source: Grey Bull Rescue/Handout