New york: Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has raised concerns that the Trump administration is setting the stage for potential military intervention against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Clinton made these remarks during a panel discussion organized by the Council for Foreign Relations in New York.

According to Anadolu Agency, Clinton suggested that the Trump administration might use the war on drugs as a justification for military action against Maduro. She highlighted the need for careful consideration of the policy objectives following any potential removal of Maduro, drawing parallels to the chaotic aftermath in Libya after NATO's intervention and the subsequent death of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

Clinton cautioned against rushing into military action, emphasizing the complex situation in Venezuela, which involves military forces, militia groups, and drug cartels. She questioned the long-term foreign policy goals, stating, "If we're going to have some kind of foreign policy goal, we want to get rid of Maduro, what comes next?"

Clinton also raised concerns about the aftermath of such an intervention, warning that it could lead to a situation akin to "a giant Somalia on the coast of South America." She criticized the recent destruction of Venezuelan boats by the US military, questioning President Trump's characterization of them as drug-smuggling vessels and expressing doubt about the administration's understanding of the boats' true nature.

Highlighting the small size of the boats, which reportedly held a maximum of 12 passengers, Clinton argued for alternative measures to address the situation, suggesting that the US could have employed naval forces or the coast guard to inspect the boats rather than resorting to destruction. She remarked, "That's the way you're supposed to do it based on everything we've done in the past."