A dramatic report Tuesday reveals that Israel threatened to strike a secret Syrian nuclear site containing yellowcake uranium and other remnants from the Al-Kibar reactor destroyed in 2007. The Trump administration intervened and, together with the IAEA, brokered an agreement with the new Syrian government to remove the materials. The evacuation is expected to begin soon but has not yet started, according to Israeli and American officials.
A dramatic expose published Tuesday reveals that Israel threatened to strike a secret Syrian nuclear site designated 'Site 99,' which housed yellowcake uranium and other materials from the Al-Kibar reactor destroyed by Israel in 2007. According to Israeli and American officials cited in the report, the Trump administration intervened and, in coordination with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), brokered an agreement with the new Syrian government to remove the nuclear materials.
The report states that Israeli officials had warned the US that they would not allow the materials to remain at the site and would strike it again if signs emerged of Syrian efforts to access it. The US then brought in the IAEA, which signed an agreement with Damascus approximately three weeks ago for the evacuation of the materials. However, the evacuation has not yet begun. The report notes that Israel recently detected movement at the site, raising fears that Syria was backtracking, but the US calmed the situation.
As The Zioneer reported earlier Tuesday, Syria's Atomic Energy Committee confirmed the agreement and said an IAEA delegation is expected to arrive in the coming days. The current report provides the first full account of the secret understandings, including the Israeli threat and the US diplomatic intervention.
The materials at Site 99 include 'yellowcake' powder that can be used for uranium enrichment, as well as other nuclear remnants unsuitable for standard nuclear weapons but potentially usable for a 'dirty bomb.' The IDF bombed the entrances to the site shortly after the fall of the Assad regime to prevent access. American officials said the evacuation process is expected to begin soon and be completed by the end of the year.
5 developments
- DevelopingSyria begins destroying remnants of Assad-era chemical weapons program, UN says
- StrongIAEA chief Grossi: inspectors found tons of nuclear material at undeclared Syrian site
- StrongSyria: Continuing transparent cooperation with IAEA, US after N12 expose on secret nuclear site
- DevelopingIAEA head: Iran, US nearing nuclear deal
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