Radioactive cobalt-60 was stored on the territory of the Mosul Medical University
Militants “Islamic state” during the capture of the Iraqi city Mosul has gained access to a component of radioactive cobalt-60 necessary to create a so-called dirty bombs*.
According to the newspaper, the radioactive cobalt-60 was stored on the territory of the Mosul Medical University, where it was used for treating cancer patients. Medical University was on the territory controlled by fighters from 2014.
The publication noted that Western intelligence agencies had calculated the power of the bomb that terrorists could make by using these reserves of cobalt-60 and estimated the degree of potential harm.
Details of calculations were kept secret in case if the militants didn’t understand what was in their hands, however, the Iraqi military was informed by U.S. authorities about a potential threat.
We will remind, Iraq announced the release of Mosul on 9 July this year. The battle for the city was conducted from 17 Oct 2016. The is militants captured Mosul in June 2014.
A “dirty bomb” – an explosive device made from conventional explosives and radioactive materials. When triggered, the bomb radioactive substances sprayed into the atmosphere and contaminate the area.
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