Former presidential candidate Ron Paul says he is concerned that a "false flag" provocation could be used to ignite war in Venezuela.

The country's ruling socialist leader Nicolas Maduro is still in power after an attempt by opposition leader Juan Guaido failed to kick-start a military uprising fizzled.

Now Paul says that those who want to see the country plunged into more violence could stage a catalyzing event.

"The big danger is a hard war breaking out," said the former Texas Congressman. "I'd still bet it won't be too bad, with thousands of troops moving. But it could be a guerrilla war or something like that. If there is a false flag or some important official on either side gets killed, you can't tell what might happen."