RS21293
Terrorist Nuclear Attacks on Seaports: Threat and Response
January 24, 2005
Download Locations
- United States Diplomatic Mission to Italy
- National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism
- U.S. Department of State
- University of North Texas Libraries
- WikiLeaks
Summary
A terrorist nuclear attack on a U.S. seaport could cause local devastation and affect the global economy. Terrorists might obtain a bomb in several ways, though each poses difficulties. Ability to detect a bomb appears limited. The United States is using technology, intelligence, international cooperation, etc., to try to thwart an attack. Issues for Congress include safeguarding foreign nuclear material, mitigating economic effects of an attack, and allocating funds between ports and other potential targets. This report will be updated as needed.
