UK report warns nuclear attack realistic

Although al-Qaida is probably not going to survive the coming years, a nuclear or chemical weapons attack on British soil is becoming increasingly likely, according to a new report by the British government.

The report, quoted by the British Independent on Tuesday, warned that a "dirty bomb" attack was "more realistic" then ever.
A Mercedes suspected of...

A Mercedes suspected of containing a car bomb is loaded onto a removal truck in Haymarket Street, near Piccadilly, central London.

"Contemporary terrorist organizations aspire to use chemical, biological, radiological and even nuclear weapons," the report said. "Changing technology and the theft and smuggling of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) materials make this aspiration more realistic than it may have been in the recent past."

According to the Independent the "Contest Two" report is the first unclassified document that includes a detailed picture of the assessments of British officials regarding the probable future course of terrorism, and its underlying causes.

The report describes how terrorists in conflict zones develop new explosives and attack methods and quickly disseminate the information worldwide.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith highlighted the underlying causes of the danger of an unconventional weapons attack.

"Failed states, conflict, technology - both in terms of the ability to use materials and the ability to learn about how materials are used - contribute to our concern about that as a threat, including what we know about what terrorists may have previously planned to do and may be planning to do," she said.

According to the report, the threat posed to the UK was basically fourfold and included al-Qaida's leadership, other groups affiliated with al-Qaida, networks or individuals motivated by extremist, al-Qaida-like ideology, and separate groups that nevertheless follow an agenda similar to that of al-Qaida.

The document said that international pressure would likely cause Osama Bin-Laden's organization to "fragment," but noted, however, that the ideology driving it would survive the structural changes to the group, resulting in a possibly greater threat from break-off factions.

The report also warned, "Terrorist organizations will have access to new technology and may become capable of conducting more lethal operations."

 
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