A covert operation by a U.S. team successfully extracted María Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader, while her daughter accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf in Norway. Bryan Stern, a special forces veteran and head of the Grey Bull Rescue Foundation, detailed the operation on Fox News Radio, describing the mission as perilous for all involved. Machado has been a vocal critic of the Venezuelan government led by Nicolás Maduro and had been in hiding since January following her detention during protests against Maduro's inauguration.

The extraction involved complex logistics, including travel by land, air, and sea, and was conducted under the constant threat of detection by Venezuelan authorities. Stern noted that the team was initially unaware of the high-profile nature of their task until they learned it involved Machado, whom he has admired for years. The operation was marked by challenging conditions, including rough seas during a nighttime boat journey. Stern expressed relief upon seeing Machado reunited with her daughter in Norway. Machado has been recognized for her efforts in promoting democracy and human rights in Venezuela, earning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025. Her daughter, Ana Corina Sosa, accepted the award on her behalf, emphasizing her mother's commitment to achieving a free Venezuela. This operation coincides with increased U.S. pressure on the Maduro government, including recent military actions against Venezuelan assets.

In a separate operation, U.S. Navy forces, specifically the guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham, intercepted a Chinese cargo ship in the Indian Ocean, seizing military equipment reportedly destined for Iran. This operation involved collaboration with the Egyptian Navy frigate ENS Alexandria as part of broader maritime exercises involving multiple nations. The incident underscores ongoing tensions in U.S.-China relations and highlights the complexities of military logistics in the region, particularly concerning Iran's military capabilities.

Additionally, a U.S. special operations team boarded a vessel several hundred miles off the coast of Sri Lanka, confiscating military-related items being transported from China to Iran. U.S. officials indicated that the shipment had been under surveillance prior to the boarding, and after the cargo was seized, the ship was allowed to continue its journey. This operation reflects a shift in tactics aimed at countering perceived threats from Iran and underscores the complexities of international arms transfers in the context of state security and military preparedness.