Politics
Syria: Discovery of "Several Tons of Nuclear Material" by the IAEA
The International Atomic Energy Agency has announced the discovery of nuclear materials at an undeclared site dating back to the regime of Bashar al-Assad.
On Tuesday, Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), announced the discovery of "several tons of nuclear material" at a site in Syria. This site, previously undeclared, dates back to the era of the former government of Bashar al-Assad.
The announcement followed a report made by Syrian authorities to the nuclear watchdog. Inspections carried out by the IAEA took place in July, allowing samples to be collected for analysis of the radioactive substances.
According to statements from the IAEA, this nuclear material poses "no risk." This assertion was corroborated by the Syrian government, which also specified that Syrian experts would collaborate with the international agency to ensure the proper storage of these materials.
The IAEA has already planned to oversee this nuclear material, and this discovery may require further exchanges between the agency and the Syrian authorities.
Additionally, the IAEA noted that this site was built under the regime of Bashar al-Assad, raising questions about the country’s prior nuclear program.
Due to security and nuclear regulatory concerns, the involvement of the international community may also play a significant role in managing this discovery.