UN warns of tonnes of nuclear material found in Syria

The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog has raised alarm over the discovery of substantial quantities of nuclear material in Syria, cautioning that the stockpile could be diverted for harmful purposes. Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), disclosed the finding during a press briefing in Damascus, noting that the material in question amounts to several tonnes. "We are talking about a few tonnes of nuclear material that could be put to bad use," Grossi stated, underscoring the security implications of the discovery. The revelation highlights persistent concerns over nuclear material safeguards in Syria, a country ravaged by over a decade of civil conflict. The IAEA has long maintained monitoring operations in Syria to track nuclear installations and materials, though access and verification efforts have been complicated by the country's security situation. Grossi's statement reflects growing international vigilance over preventing nuclear proliferation and ensuring that radioactive materials do not fall into the hands of non-state actors or hostile entities. The agency is expected to provide further details on the nature, location, and security measures surrounding the discovered material in subsequent technical briefings.