According to a new CIA report, the threat that terrorists will use chemical,
biological, radiological and nuclear weapons "remains high."
"Many of the 33 designated foreign terrorist organizations and other
nonstate actors worldwide have expressed interest in using CBRN," the
semi-annual report on arms proliferation stated. "However, most attacks
probably will be small-scale, incorporating improvised delivery means and
easily produced or obtained chemicals, toxins or radiological substances."
Most groups will continue to use proven attack methods such as bombings and
shootings. However, the discovery in January 2003 of a plot by Islamist
terrorists to use ricin toxin show active plotting for chemical and
biological attacks, according to the report which was made public last week.
"Al Qaida is interested in radiological dispersal devices (RDDs) or dirty
bombs," the report said. "Construction of an RDD is well within its
capabilities as radiological materials are relatively easy to acquire from
industrial or medical sources."
The report said Al Qaida documents found in Afghanistan show that the group
is focusing on biological weapons such as anthrax for "mass casualty
attacks."
Regarding nuclear arms, the report said that outside experts, including
Pakistani nuclear engineer Bashir al-Din Mahmoud, have helped Al Qaida.
Bashir met with Bin Laden and discussed information concerning nuclear
weapons, the report said.
"We are alert to the very real possibility that Al Qaida or other terrorist
groups might also try to launch conventional attacks against the chemical or
nuclear industrial infrastructure of the United States to cause panic and
economic disruption," the report said.
A video aired by al Jazeera in September 2002 stated that senior Al Qaida
terrorists considered striking nuclear power plants in the United States in
selecting targets for what became the September 11 attacks. However, the
leaders dropped the idea for fear it would "get out of control," the report
said.
