Venezuela raid reportedly known to US media before operation

Reports say the New York Times and Washington Post were told about a US operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro shortly before it began; officials confirmed Maduro was captured and taken to the United States to face criminal charges.

Reports say major US newspapers were informed about a secret US operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro shortly before it began. The account comes from Semafor, which cited sources with knowledge of correspondence between the White House and the outlets. US officials confirmed Maduro was captured and transported to the United States. Authorities announced he will face criminal proceedings there. Key facts: - Semafor reported the New York Times and the Washington Post were told about the operation shortly before it began, but the report did not specify whether that was hours or minutes in advance. - US officials announced Maduro was captured and taken to the United States, and said he will be tried on charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine-importation conspiracy and weapons charges. - Sources told Semafor the newspapers withheld publication until the operation concluded; a Pentagon spokesperson directed inquiries to those publications. - News organisations and officials cited national-security concerns in explaining the decision to delay reporting. Summary: If the reporting is accurate, major US newspapers were informed of a high-risk operation shortly before it started but did not publish until it concluded. Officials say Maduro is in US custody and will be prosecuted in New York on the charges announced.