Key Takeaways
- IAEA chief reveals nearly complete Syrian reactor could have produced fissile material.
- Inspectors visited two secret sites in Syria last month.
- Facility built during Assad’s rule could have been used for nuclear weapons.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has warned that a nearly complete nuclear reactor built secretly during the rule of former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad could have produced fissile material for potential use in nuclear weapons, according to the agency’s chief.
Inspectors from the IAEA visited two sites last month, one in Deir ez-Zor and a second in an undisclosed location, as revealed by Syrian authorities.
The reactor, which was built during the Assad era, was found to be nearly complete, raising concerns about its potential use in developing nuclear weapons.
The IAEA’s chief emphasized the importance of continued monitoring and inspection to prevent any misuse of the facility.
The discovery highlights the ongoing security concerns in Syria and the potential for nuclear proliferation in the region.
The IAEA’s findings underscore the need for international cooperation to ensure the safety and security of nuclear materials and facilities.
The visit by IAEA inspectors is part of a broader effort to maintain global nuclear safety and prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.
The facility’s potential to produce fissile material for nuclear weapons is a significant development in the ongoing security situation in Syria.
