Democratic presidential contender decries drones’ potential to be ‘terrible and counterproductive’, but says he would use them against key terrorists

Bernie Sanders says he would use drones to fight terror as president

Bernie Sanders has said that as president, he would be willing to use drones in counter-terrorism operations.

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In an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press scheduled for broadcast on Sunday, host Chuck Todd asked the independent senator from Vermont if drones or special forces would play a role in his counter-terror plans.

“All of that and more,” Sanders said.

Asked to clarify, he added: “Look, a drone is a weapon. When it works badly, it is terrible and it is counterproductive. When you blow up a facility or a building which kills women and children, you know what? … It’s terrible.”

The Obama administration’s use of drones to target terrorist suspects has proved controversial, particularly with the political left. Sanders, a self-professed democratic socialist, has proven popular in such circles in the 2016 campaign so far.

Todd asked Sanders: “But you’re comfortable with the idea of using drones if you think you’ve isolated an important terrorist?”

Sanders replied: “Yes”.

The wide-ranging interview also addressed the candidate’s stance on gun control, as well as broader issues of foreign policy. Sanders’ campaign for the Democratic nomination has largely focused on domestic issues of economic and social inequality.

On the back of stump speeches to consistently large crowds, Sanders has risen in the polls to become No 1 challenger to former secretary of state Hillary Clinton. The first Democratic debate will be held in Nevada on Tuesday.