Summary |
Nuclear terrorism denotes the use, or threat of the use, of nuclear weapons or radiological weapons in act of terrorism including attacks against facilities where radioactive materials are present. In legal terms, unclear terrorism is an offense committed if a person unlawfully and intentionally “uses in any way radioactive material… with the intent to cause death or serious bodily injury”, according to international conventions.
The threat of nuclear terrorism, therefore, is a global problem that demands global solutions. Nuclear weapons may offer terrorists the ultimate means of mass destruction, but a comprehensive global strategy can counter this threat. If the international community is to prevent nuclear materials and weapons from falling into the hands of terrorist organizations, it must secure and account for every weapon and every kilogram of HEU and plutonium. Indeed, because obtaining HEU and plutonium is the most difficult part of making a nuclear explosive, these materials should be secured as well as nuclear weapons themselves.
|
