According to the UN, the potential humanitarian, environmental and economic consequences of a nuclear or radiological attack would be severe, with impacts extending across borders and undermining international security and confidence in peaceful nuclear technology.
Although nuclear terrorism has no single definition, risks include the use of so-called dirty bombs, attacks on nuclear facilities, deployment of stolen nuclear weapons or detonation of improvised nuclear devices.
Despite these concerns, no nuclear terrorist attack has occurred since the development of nuclear technology about 80 years ago. Experts describe the threat as low in probability but high in impact. However, there is evidence that extremist groups continue to pursue such capabilities.
Mauro Miedico, Director of the UN Counter Terrorism Centre, said the threat level is higher than at any point in the past due to the increasing accessibility of advanced technologies. Miedico said terrorist groups are recruiting specialists, including artificial intelligence experts, and have already used drones in attacks.
Miedico warned that these developments could increase the likelihood of more sophisticated attacks, including the potential use of drones to deliver radiological devices.
There have also been incidents involving stolen or trafficked nuclear materials. In 2021, Tajikistan reported the theft of 133 tablets containing uranium dioxide, raising concerns about potential trafficking to regions where extremist groups are active.
The UN Office of Counter Terrorism said strengthening international legal frameworks remains critical to preventing such threats. Member states have been urged to adopt the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, which provides a legal basis to criminalise and prevent such acts.
While the convention has gained broad support, about 66 countries have yet to join. Miedico said the gap is largely due to limited technical capacity rather than a lack of political commitment.
The UN, in partnership with international partners, is supporting countries to strengthen legal systems, improve cooperation and enhance preventive measures to ensure that nuclear terrorism remains a risk that never materialises.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
