IAEA confirms Syria's Al-Kibar site was a nuclear reactor, finds 73 tonnes of uranium

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The IAEA has confirmed that the Al-Kibar facility in Syria, destroyed by an Israeli strike in 2007, was a nuclear reactor. Inspectors found approximately 73 tonnes of natural uranium metal at the site, including 55 tonnes of packaged fuel rods. The agency said the nuclear material is under its control and that cooperation has been established with the new Syrian authorities.
Key Facts
- The IAEA confirmed that the Al-Kibar facility in Syria, destroyed by an Israeli strike in 2007, was a nuclear reactor.
- Inspectors found approximately 73 tonnes of natural uranium metal at the site, including 55 tonnes of packaged fuel rods.
- IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi personally visited the previously unknown location.
- The agency stated that the nuclear material is under its control and that cooperation has been established with the new Syrian authorities.
Reactor Confirmation
The IAEA confirmed that the Al-Kibar facility in Syria, destroyed by an Israeli strike in 2007, was a nuclear reactor. Inspectors identified a cooling system at the site characteristic of a reactor installation. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi personally visited the previously unknown location.
Uranium Discovery
The complex contained approximately 73 tonnes of natural uranium metal, including 55 tonnes of packaged fuel rods. The agency emphasized that the nuclear material is under its control. Cooperation has been established with the new Syrian authorities, and permission was granted for agency specialists to work at the site.
Investigation Closure
Following the investigation, the agency announced that unresolved issues related to Syria's nuclear activities have been closed.