Source: Fox News
Summary
A highly radioactive cobalt-60 source, used in cancer treatment, was removed from a disused medical device in Guatemala and transported to the U.S. for secure storage. The U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) conducted the operation in May with help from Guatemalan officials. The material could have been used to create a radiological weapon, according to the NNSA. The agency said the move was part of efforts to prevent dangerous materials from falling into the wrong hands. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency provided secure transportation for the cobalt-60 back to the U.S.
Our Reading
As expected, the matter has reached another stage.
NNSA specialists worked with Guatemalan teams to remove a radioactive component.
Guatemalan officials handled transportation and security.
The material was sent back to the U.S. under DTRA supervision.
Another routine operation to keep dangerous materials out of reach.
Author: Evan Null
Radioactive Material Removed from Guatemala
A highly radioactive material used to treat cancer has been removed from Guatemala and transported to the United States. The cobalt-60 source was taken from a disused medical device. U.S. and Guatemalan teams worked together to secure the material. The U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) announced the operation. The material could have been used to create a radiological weapon, according to the NNSA.
Operation Began in May
The operation started in May when specialists from the NNSA’s Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico worked with a facility in Guatemala. They removed part of a U.S.-origin teletherapy machine containing cobalt-60. Guatemalan officials assisted with transportation, logistics, and physical security. The NNSA said the effort was part of a broader mission to prevent dangerous materials from falling into the wrong hands.
Security Concerns
Cobalt-60 is used in medical devices to treat cancer. However, the NNSA said highly radioactive sources can pose a security threat if stolen. The agency warned that the material removed from Guatemala could have been used to create a radiological weapon. The removal comes as the Trump administration emphasizes preventing terrorists from obtaining such weapons. The administration’s 2026 Counterterrorism Strategy identifies this as a critical national security responsibility.
Statements from Officials
Matthew Napoli, deputy administrator for the NNSA’s Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, said the mission is to protect American citizens and prevent adversaries from obtaining harmful materials. He called the removal a “massive win for homeland security.” Mayra Villatoro, head of the Unit of Technical Laboratories at Guatemala’s Ministry of Energy and Mines, said the collaboration helped eliminate the danger posed by the material.
Secure Transportation
The NNSA securely packaged the cobalt-60 component before the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) provided secure transportation back to the U.S. Robert Bridges, DTRA program manager, said the repatriation was a result of interagency cooperation. The operation is part of the NNSA’s work with foreign governments to remove high-activity radioactive material and strengthen protections around such sources.
