26/10/2004

Hundreds of tons of explosives stolen in Iraq, warns UN

More than 340 tons of high explosives that had been subject to UN monitoring were either stolen or looted from a government facility in Iraq, the chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported.

In a letter to the Security Council, IAEA Director-General Mohamed ElBaradei said the Iraqi authorities informed the agency on October 10 that explosives lost last year had resulted from "looting of the governmental installations due to lack of security".

After confirming the Iraqi communication, the IAEA then notified the US-led multinational force (MNF) - which has responsibility for security in Iraq - about the matter five days later on 15 October.

The missing explosives include 195 metric tons of HMX that had been under IAEA seal, as well as 141 tons of RDX and almost six tons of PETN, both subject to regular monitoring of stock levels, Mr ElBaradei said.

The IAEA last verified the presence of those stockpiles in January 2003.

(gmcg/sp)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

21 October 2003
UN's record aid delivery to Iraq winds down
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) is ending its aid lift to Iraq having delivered a record two million tons of food since its emergency operation started on 1 April.
17 October 2003
Iran promises 'accelerated' cooperation with nuclear inspectors
Iran has told the United Nations nuclear watchdog that it will "accelerate" its cooperation on nuclear issues. In a dispatch from its Vienna headquarters, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that its Director-General, Mohamed ElBaradei, met in Tehran with Hassan Rohani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.
17 December 2003
18 die in Baghdad tanker explosion
Up to 18 people are reported to have been killed after a fuel tanker exploded on a busy road in Baghdad today. Initial reports suggest that around 15 people have also been injured in the blast which occurred at a crossroads in the capital's western district of Bayaa.
27 November 2003
Al Qaeda suspect arrested in Gloucester
Gloucestershire Constabulary officers working with the Metropolitan Police Service have arrested a 24-year-old man at his home address in the Barton Street area of Gloucester this morning.
27 May 2004
UN welcomes US-led nuclear security initiative
A new US plan to strengthen nuclear security around the world has been welcomed by the UN atomic watchdog agency.