Global Security Newswire

A 2006 U.S. intelligence study reported that al-Qaeda was pursuing a variety of weapons of mass destruction and that Syria was operating a nuclear program at several locations, the Washington Times reported (see GSN, Feb. 4).

Al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups sought "chemical and biological capabilities for use in attacks against Western targets, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan," according to the proliferation report to Congress, which covered activities in 2005.

"Rhetoric from these groups continued to focus on the need for spectacular attacks, but actual attempts were few during this time period and consisted of small-scale attacks using commercially available toxic industrial chemicals," the report says (see GSN, July 2, 2007).

In one case, terrorists in May 2005 used watermelons injected with common chemicals to poison Iraqi soldiers.  "Some soldiers became ill, but there were no reported fatalities," according to the report.

The findings were based on numerous intelligence reports and added that al-Qaeda was also seeking nuclear or radiological weapons, the Times reported.

Intelligence agencies said they "continue to monitor Syrian nuclear intentions with concern" and identified research sites at Dayr, al-Hajar and Dubaya (see related GSN story, today).

China, North Korea and Russia were "key suppliers" of weapons and technology, the report says.  Iran, North Korea and Pakistan received ballistic missiles from China, while Russia reportedly provided ballistic missile equipment and technology to China, India, Iran and North Korea (Bill Gertz, Washington Times, Feb. 5).