Story perspectives

U.S. Covert Operation Extracts Venezuelan Leader Amid Maduro Crisis

12/13/2025

Summary

Story summary

A U.S. covert team extracted María Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition leader, in January after protests.
Machado's daughter accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf in Norway as U.S. pressure on Maduro grew, including the seizure of an illicit Iranian oil tanker.
Special forces veteran Bryan Stern described the operation as dangerous, noting travel by land, air, and sea.
Machado thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for support against Maduro.

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Story summary

A U.S. covert team extracted María Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition leader, in January after protests.
Machado's daughter accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf in Norway as U.S. pressure on Maduro grew, including the seizure of an illicit Iranian oil tanker.
Special forces veteran Bryan Stern described the operation as dangerous, noting travel by land, air, and sea.
Machado thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for support against Maduro.