53% of Russian nukes not safely secured

[Shammu]

53% of Russian nukes not safely secured
Experts fear terrorists will gain access to weapon stockpiles
Posted: April 7, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern

© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com


Russian experts are expressing renewed alarm over the safety of the country's nuclear stockpiles, fearing terrorists will have no trouble gaining access.

"Only 47 percent of them are secured in a safe manner," according to Victor Mizin, a former high-ranking Russian diplomat.

That means bout 300 tons of radioactive materials need modernized physical security, especially now, when global terrorists such as al-Qaida are striving to obtain access.

"If any of the terrorist groups will decide to obtain Russian nuclear materials for the purpose of making dirty bombs, they would be able to accomplish their goal relatively easy," Mizin said.

A dirty bomb combines radioactive materials – waste from hospitals and laboratories as well as spent nuclear fuel – with conventional explosives to spread radioactive contamination over a wide area. Al-Qaida not only is believed to be seeking such materials but is assessed to be capable of making dirty bomb devices.

During the Soviet era, there were tens of thousands of nuclear warheads produced. While many have been dismantled, some 18,000 remain, said to be housed at more than three dozen Russian installations. However, many are watched by ill-trained and under-paid guards.