Syrian reactor could have been used for nuclear weapons if completed, UN says

A newly exposed Syrian nuclear facility constructed under the Assad regime could have been used to produce material for nuclear weapons, according to the head of the UN’s nuclear watchdog. Inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently examined two sites—one in Deir ez-Zor and another undisclosed location—after Syrian officials disclosed their existence. The revelation raises concerns about the country’s past nuclear ambitions and the potential risks of undocumented programs. Full details on the facility’s capabilities and current status remain under investigation.

Chief of nuclear watchdog says secret Assad-era facility would have been able to produce fissile material A nearly complete nuclear reactor built secretly during the rule of the toppled Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad would have been able to produce fissile material for possible use in nuclear weapons, the chief of the UN nuclear watchdog has revealed.Inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) last month visited two sites, one in Deir ez-Zor and a second in an undisclosed location identified to them by Syrian authorities. Continue reading...