Nuclear Terror Threat at an All-Time High, UN Warns

The humanitarian and economic consequences of a nuclear terrorist attack would be global, the UN warns, and the threat has never been higher.

Mauro Miedico, Director of the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre, says terrorist groups are increasingly using new technologies, including AI and drones, to potentially launch a 'dirty bomb' attack.

Although no nuclear terrorist attack has ever occurred, groups like Al-Qaeda have repeatedly stated their intention to commit such an act. In 2021, Tajikistan reported that 133 tablets containing uranium dioxide were stolen, possibly for trafficking to Afghanistan where Al-Qaeda has a strong presence.

© IAEA/Fredrik Dahl

The UN is urging all member states to join the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, which currently lacks ratification by 66 countries-not due to lack of will, but lack of technical capacity.