'Dirty bomb' warning to Olympics

[TriWooOx]

The Beijing Olympics in August could be a target for terrorists using radioactive materials, the UN nuclear watchdog has told the BBC.

The International Atomic Energy Agency says a group might try to release radioactivity at an Olympic venue, possibly using a "dirty bomb".

However, the IAEA says there is no specific information suggesting an imminent attack on the Beijing games.

The IAEA warning comes as it conducts a training exercise in China's capital.

London threat

The agency says intelligence shows that terrorists are trying to obtain nuclear materials.

Its concern is that they might try to use a "dirty bomb" with conventional explosives in Beijing.

"There is a threat at some level that these [radioactive] materials could be used," said Dr Anita Nilsson, the IAEA's head of nuclear security.

"The awareness that these materials do exist in circulation is enough in itself to trigger the measures that we are now working together with the Chinese authorities to implement at the major venues of the Beijing Olympics," she said.

Dr Nilsson warned that the same threats would exist for the London Olympics in 2012.

"There is a major shift in threat perception over the last five to 10 years. And we have to take that into account and to do accordingly, whether it is Olympic games in Beijing or London. These measures must be implemented."

Organisers of the 2012 games say "work is progressing to ensure a safe and secure" event.  

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-p ... 412254.stm

[Brizo]

http://www.iaea.org/NewsCenter/PressRel ... 00404.html

Same shit, different year, different country... I wonder if they all sit about wondering how they'll word the next press release?

Bring on London 2012!

[sullivan]

The Beijing Olympics in August could be a target for terrorists using radioactive materials, the UN nuclear watchdog has told the BBC.

The International Atomic Energy Agency says a group might try to release radioactivity at an Olympic venue, possibly using a "dirty bomb".

This is totally lacking in credibility . For a start, the IAEA are not set up to gather intelligence on planned terrorist attacks. It couldn't be further from their remit or area of specialisation.  If it had been from the CIA, MI6 or FSB, it might just have a veneer of believability, but the IAEA?  :roll:

Even if it had come from a true 'intelligence' source, the words 'could' and 'might' are a dead giveaway.  It could be a target for terrorists. So could the Saturday game at my local football club. Anywhere, in theory, could be a target for terrorists.   :headbang:

Who the f!%k do these people think they are fooling?