US Removes Radioactive Material from Guatemala Due to Security Concerns

<p>A radioactive material used for cancer treatment has been returned to the United States after being removed from Guatemala due to concerns that it could be stolen and used to create a radiological weapon, commonly referred to as a "dirty bomb." The cobalt-60 source was housed in a disused medical radiation device before U.S. and Guatemalan teams transported it to secure storage in the U.S.</p><p>The U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) announced the operation on August 27, 2026, stating it is part of a broader effort to prevent dangerous radioactive materials from falling into the hands of terrorists and other adversaries. The operation began in May when specialists from the NNSA's Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico collaborated with a facility in Guatemala to remove part of a U.S.-origin teletherapy machine containing cobalt-60.</p><p>Guatemalan officials assisted with transportation, logistics, and physical security during the operation. The NNSA indicated that while cobalt-60 is used in medical devices for cancer treatment, it poses a security threat if stolen.</p><p>Matthew Napoli, deputy administrator for the NNSA's Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, stated, "Our mission is simple: protect American citizens, secure our borders, and ensure our adversaries never get their hands on materials that could harm our country." He described the removal as a significant achievement for homeland security and highlighted the positive relationship between the U.S. and Guatemalan governments.</p><p>Guatemala's National Centre of Radioactive Wastes and Ministry of Energy and Mines provided support during the operation. Mayra Villatoro, head of the Unit of Technical Laboratories at Guatemala's Ministry of Energy and Mines, noted the collaboration with NNSA and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) helped eliminate the danger posed by the radioactive material.</p><p>After the NNSA securely packaged the cobalt-60 component, the DTRA provided secure transportation back to the U.S. Robert Bridges, DTRA program manager of Nuclear Transportation & Disposition, stated, "The successful repatriation of the cobalt-60 source is a product of vital U.S. Government interagency cooperation." The operation is part of the NNSA Office of Radiological Security's efforts to remove high-activity radioactive material and strengthen protections around radioactive sources.</p>