The leader of the paramilitary organization claiming responsibility for the ‘extraction’ of MC Machado stated on December 3 that ‘things on the ground will get ugly’ and mentioned a real threat of hostage-taking and kidnapping against Americans.
By: La Tabla/Data Journalism Platform, December 12, 2025
In an interview on December 3 with Fox News, Bryan Stern, the president and founder of Grey Bull Rescue, announced that his team is preparing to conduct rescue operations in Venezuela to evacuate around 30,000 American citizens residing in the country.
Stern explained that the so-called Latin Shield Operation involves creating exit corridors through ground, sea, and air actions, anticipating a potential armed conflict or bombing that may necessitate a mass evacuation.
“We are creating conditions for ground, air, and maritime operations to evacuate Americans who may get stuck in Venezuela,” he pointed out.
The executive warned that, beyond the possibility of military attacks, the greatest risk for American citizens comes from the actions of the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (Sebin). Stern described this agency as ‘top-tier’ and raised concerns about mass kidnappings and hostage situations, which he believes pose a greater threat than large-scale evacuations.
According to his statements, Grey Bull Rescue has received calls from concerned Americans about the escalating tensions, although most still adopt a ‘wait and see’ attitude. Stern emphasized that it’s advisable to leave the country while it’s still possible, even though exit routes have become increasingly difficult.
The leader declared that his team, primarily composed of ex-military personnel, is accustomed to operating in high-risk environments. He recalled that during previous missions they faced bombings, drones, and missile attacks. “We are a rescue team, we run toward the fire, not away from it,” he stated, emphasizing that they maintain ties with U.S. government agencies and multinational corporations to coordinate their operations.
Only six months of experience
The business entity Grey Bull Rescue, Inc. was registered in April of this year, meaning its legal existence does not exceed six months. Nevertheless, Stern claims to have completed about 800 operations with over 7,000 rescues, figures that are hard to verify and considered somewhat implausible upon closer examination.
Before the company’s formation, Stern reportedly participated in rescues in non-institutional capacities, with ad hoc teams in situations like Afghanistan, Haiti, Gaza, Lebanon, and Ukraine.
In addition to his role at Grey Bull Rescue, Stern is also listed as an executive of a non-profit organization focused on helping veterans with neurological conditions, mental health issues, and addictions, based in Sarasota, Florida.
The organization, Operation Warrior Resolution, founded in 2018, reported over a million dollars in revenue and slightly higher expenses in its 2024 accounts, reflecting its fundraising and operational capacity.
Although there are no records of formal ties to Donald Trump’s candidacy, Stern has expressed admiration for the former president, partly for having studied at the New York Military Academy, which also educated the former president.
Bryan Stern is the U.S. veteran who has claimed the evacuation of far-right political spokesperson María Corina Machado, aiming to transport her to Oslo, Norway’s capital, to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.