IAEA: Secret nuclear reactor project conducted in Syria during Assad era
Reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) state that during the era of Syria's ousted leader Bashar al-Assad, efforts were made to construct a nuclear reactor near Deir ez-Zor, and that the Assad regime avoided informing the agency about these activities. The report also noted that approximately 73 tons of natural uranium were detected at the site.
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The IAEA has reported that Syria conducted efforts to build a nuclear reactor during the era of the ousted Bashar al-Assad regime. In confidential reports made accessible to the press, it was noted that IAEA teams visited various facilities in Syria in August and conducted work on-site.
In a statement issued by the IAEA, it was noted that field observations in Syria's Deir ez-Zor region identified cooling infrastructure consistent with a nuclear reactor.
The report also recorded that approximately 73 tons of natural uranium were detected at the site, with 55 tons in the form of 8,808 fuel rods, and 18 tons consisting of uranium scrap and waste. The IAEA emphasized that the Assad regime had avoided reporting this reactor and associated nuclear materials to the agency in the past.
The agency stated that the fuel rods were manufactured by the ousted regime at a separate facility, while announcing that, thanks to the access and information provided by the Damascus government, retrospective inspection files are nearing completion. The IAEA reported that significant progress has been made in investigations regarding nuclear activities and uncertainties remaining from the era of the ousted regime in Syria, and that the Damascus administration is cooperating with full transparency. The agency noted that it will continue to monitor activities at the site as excavation work progresses.
"The report reflects the level of openness in Syria's work with the agency"
Mudar al-Okla, head of the Syrian Atomic Energy Commission, stated in a press release that Syria has taken serious and transparent steps to resolve nuclear issues dating back to the previous regime. Al-Okla emphasized that IAEA teams were granted full access to all requested sites and facilities, and that the necessary documents were provided.
Within the scope of the inspections, it was reported that examinations at the Al-Kibar site in Deir ez-Zor and other associated facilities were completed, and approximately 73 tons of natural uranium were identified and placed under IAEA safeguards. Al-Okla said, "The IAEA report reflects the level of openness in Syria's work with the international agency. Securing all nuclear materials and sites is a critical step that reinforces international trust."
Al-Okla added that Syria's goal in the coming period will be to expand the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology in areas such as health, energy, food, and water, and to support national development.