Major US news outlets knew of Venezuela raid in advance, withheld coverage: Report

Senior editors at The New York Times and The Washington Post were informed in advance about a covert US military operation in Venezuela but chose not to publish the information until after the mission concluded, according to a new report.

Semafor’s Max Tani and Shelby Talcott, citing two sources familiar with discussions between the White House and media organisations, reported that both newspapers were briefed on sensitive operational elements shortly before the raid was set to begin late on Friday. After internal deliberations, editors chose to delay publication, citing concerns that coverage could have jeopardised the safety of American troops involved.

As per the report, the decision highlights a longstanding practice within US journalism to exercise caution when national security and lives are at stake. It is particularly notable given the strained relationship between President Donald Trump and major legacy media organisations in recent years.

According to the report, President Trump authorised the operation at 10:46 pm on Friday. He and senior administration officials publicly welcomed the capture of the Venezuelan president on Saturday, pointing to the absence of US casualties and the secrecy maintained throughout the mission.

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth praised the operation’s execution, describing it as a demonstration of coordination, stealth and reach. However, he did not acknowledge that part of the secrecy stemmed from editorial restraint by news organisations. Unlike some countries, the US government lacks legal mechanisms to block publication, relying instead on voluntary cooperation when officials warn of potential risks to personnel, as per the report.

The military action began at around 2:00 am local time on Saturday. Multiple explosions echoed across the capital, initially leading some residents to believe fireworks were being set off. Shockwaves shook buildings as military aircraft flew overhead, prompting people to step out onto balconies and terraces.

"It was horrible, we felt the planes flying over our house," said a resident of the Coche neighborhood, near the city's largest military complex, which was targeted in the raid.

Residents saw columns of smoke rising from several parts of the city, which was soon cloaked in a fog-like haze. Witnesses spoke of bombings in La Guaira, Caracas's airport and port, in Maracay to the west, and in Higuerote to the east.

(With inputs from AFP)