SECRET NUCLEAR SITE: U.S. Brokers Deal To Remove Nuclear Material From Clandestine Syrian Facility

The International Atomic Energy Agency is expected to remove nuclear material from a clandestine Syrian facility following understandings reached by the Trump administration with Syria and Israel, according to reporting. The effort aims to secure the material and prevent potential escalation among Israel, Syria, and Turkey.

The site, referred to as "Site 99," Was used by the Assad regime to store nuclear material connected to the Al-Kibar nuclear reactor project. Israeli officials characterized the material as part of that project, while a U.S. Official described it as including yellowcake - a uranium ore powder that can be further processed and enriched as part of the nuclear fuel cycle - along with other residue and "leftovers" From Al-Kibar. Though unsuitable for a nuclear weapon, the material could potentially be used for a "dirty bomb," In which conventional explosives disperse radioactive material.

Israeli forces bombed the facility's entrances shortly after the Assad regime's fall to prevent access. Over more than a year, U.S. And Israeli officials discussed handling the site. Israel conveyed to the Trump administration that it would not accept the material remaining there and threatened to strike again if it was not removed or if Syria showed signs of attempting to access it. A U.S. Official noted the situation was never on the verge of military action.

The U.S. And Israel determined that securing Syrian government cooperation was the optimal approach. When Washington raised the matter with Syrian officials, they stated they had not known nuclear material was stored there. "Very few people in the U.S., Israel and Syria were aware of this," A U.S. Official said.

Weeks ago, Israeli monitoring detected activity around Site 99 raising concerns that Syria's new government was attempting to access the material. Israeli officials also worried Turkey was assisting Syria in obtaining it. The Trump administration asked Israel to refrain from action and involved the IAEA. Three weeks ago, the IAEA and Syrian government signed an agreement to remove the material.

The removal operation is underway but incomplete. "We think everybody is happy with the result. Hopefully we will be able to kick off the removal process soon and end it before the end of the year," A U.S. Official said.