Radiological weapons as accessible terrorist threats and mass-casualty risks

¶ … large terrorist WMD attack might be conducted. I have also indicated the most probable type of materials that could be used and the potential targets and probable forms of attack.

It is rather difficult for the policymakers to weigh up the likelihood of a mass-casualty terrorist attack in their nation states. On the other hand, the consequences of such a prospect call for the governments worldwide to give serious attention to this fear. During 1990s, a number of developments took place that amplified public concern that the activist could get hold of nuclear, biological or radiological weapons and detonate them in a big metropolitan region.

According to the researchers, the terrorists probably may not have the access to nuclear weapons. However, there are chances that they may bring radiological weapons into play in the upcoming times. Fortunately, there has been no occurrence of even a single nuclear or radiological terrorist attack up till now. Nevertheless, great concerns have roused after "the attack with the chemical warfare agent Sarin in Tokyo (1995), the anthrax cases in the U.S.A. (2001) and the smuggling of radioactive material"[footnoteRef:2] (Wirz & Egger 2005). On top, the attacks in the United States of America on September 11 gave a clear idea to the world that there are, at the moment, many groups with huge monetary and extensive human resources. The 9/11 attacks also signified that terrorist groups have a grave determination to cause the highest possible damage to the human race (Wirz & Egger 2005). [2: Wirz, C. & Egger, E. "Use of Nuclear and Radiological Weapons by Terrorists?."International Review of the Red Cross 87, no. 859 (2005). http://www.labor-spiez.ch/de/the/as/pdf/irrc_859_Egger_Wirz.pdf (accessed January 24, 2013).]

It can be concluded that a radiological diffusion bomb would be the most easily accessible nuclear appliance for any terrorist[footnoteRef:3] (Blair 2001). Radiological weapons are not at all expensive and involve low technological handling. This is the main reason why they can be categorized as the best options for terrorists who seek to cause great damage more than the obtainable potential and restrictions of common explosives but who lack the means to make, assemble or access an accurate weapon of mass destruction[footnoteRef:4] (Brown 2006). Radioactive supplies are not difficult to access and even do not have a need of problematical or pricey vehicles for their delivery. In addition, waste material derived from radioactive sources is quite effortless to achieve. Radioactive waste is generally found all over the world, and usually not as well-guarded as actual nuclear weapons are taken care of (Blair 2001). Radiological weapons are a hit among the terrorists for the reason that even a badly planned and poorly executed radiological attack could have an overwhelming impact on the economy and emotional well-being of the attacked region (Brown 2006). [3: Blair, B.G. "What if the Terrorists Go Nuclear?." CDI Terrorism Project, (October 1, 2001). http://www.cdi.org/terrorism/nuclear-pr.cfm (accessed January 24, 2013).] [4: Brown, C.. "Transcendental Terrorism And Dirty Bombs: Radiological Weapons Threat Revisited." The Air University. http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/cst/csat54.pdf (accessed January 24, 2013).]

Nuclear radiation that is barely visible only with distinctive instruments can become a mechanism of terrorists to cause mass-destruction. Radioactive isotopes can be made greater than before and spread all over the place with or without high explosives by using a radiological dispersion device (RDD) or ostensible dirty bomb [footnoteRef:5](Zimmerman & Loeb 2004). For that reason, the radiological weapons propose distinct opportunities for terrorists, who rummage around for an asymmetric advantage against their target. They are also preferred by terrorists as they are disconnected, fatal and involve only a little amount of familiarity to employ. Moreover, as radioactive matter is readily obtainable, it has a devastating potential for mental commotion. If truth be told, radiation is that form of energy which is the most pure and most crucial (Brown 2006). [5: Zimmerman, P.D. & Loeb, C. "Dirty Bombs: The Threat Revisited." Defense Horizons 38 (2004): 1. http://www.questia.com/read/1G1-147059807/dirty-bombs-the-threat-revisited (accessed January 24, 2013).]

Radiological weapons can turn out to be a preferred weapon among terrorists since "radioactive sources can possess incredible energy density that is in every respect as lethal as traditional kinetic weapons"[footnoteRef:6] (Brown 2006). In addition, radiation is hardly noticeable to each of the five senses. Not only this, it is also a threatening and menacing weapon that can easily inflict significant damage on the inhabitants of the attacked area long after the first use of the parent weapon and long before health and law regulating authorities identify that an attack has been done (Brown 2006). [6: Brown, C. "Transcendental Terrorism and Dirty Bombs: Radiological Weapons Threat Revisited." The Air University. http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/cst/csat54.pdf (accessed January 24, 2013).]

The purpose behind using radiological weapons to attack an area would be to engorge radioactive material above it by means of any device that is expected to blow up (dirty bomb) or a number of other ways of dissemination. The possibility of terrorists attacking by means of a radiological weapon is also increased by the far-reaching employment of radioactive sources in manufacturing sectors right now under poorly formed national and international laws regulations that are fruitless in successfully controlling the making, transportation, deliverance, management, and elimination of radioactive resources (Brown 2006). Huge quantities of radioactive materials are amassed in "laboratories, food irradiation plants, oil drilling facilities, medical centers, and many other sites"[footnoteRef:7] (Kelly 2010). It plainly means that terrorists who ardently desire to have control over radioactive sources will have no difficulty in finding out or getting hold of them. [7: Kelly, H. "Dirty Bombs: Response to a Threat." Journal of the Federation of American Scientists 55, no. 2 (2002). ]

The utilization of radioactive materials in hundreds and thousands of different worldwide health, educational, agricultural, and manufacturing locations makes it extremely complex to protect or control them. As a result, the ordinariness and simple accessibility of these radioactive supplies in the civic sphere, in conjunction with meager control and monitoring systems, poses a substantial danger to health and safety from the expected terrorist misuse of radioactive materials. Unquestionably, the most possible means for terrorist to acquire intermediate radioactive material is unlocked (Zimmerman & Loeb 2004).

Unfortunately, there are major flaws in actions to administer and put the radiological sources in order i.e. The devices that provide accommodation to radiological materials[footnoteRef:8] (Grotto 2005). Facility possessors put together adequate safety systems available simply when they are concerned about caring for commercially significant radioactive substance. In contrast, once radioactive materials are not considered necessary and disposition costs raise, security measures turn out to be inattentive, and the likelihood of refusal or theft of the radioactive material increases[footnoteRef:9] (Kelly 2010). There is no domestic system that is reliable enough to track the location and condition of all radiological sources. This is mainly the state of affairs in the United States of America. Nevertheless, the situation in other countries that are not as developed as USA is even poorer. It is, therefore, the requirement of the time to work honestly towards identifying, intercepting and coordinating unlawful shipments of the radioactive material (Grotto 2005). [8: Grotto, A.J. "Defusing the Threat of Radiological Weapons: Integrating Prevention with Detection and Response." American Progress. http://www.americanprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/kf/dirtybomb072705.pdf (accessed January 24, 2013).] [9: Kelly, H. "Dirty Bombs: Response to a Threat." Journal of the Federation of American Scientists 55, no. 2 (2002).]

For the reason that United States of America is not capable enough to act in response to an attack efficiently, it is a must to expand and implement an encrusted, risk-based policy to protect the country from the menace that can be caused by the radiological weapons. The authorities are required to work vehemently for protecting the complete life-cycle of the most modern and accessible radioactive sources by strengthening the licensing requirements. The development of an effective mechanism is needed so that all radioactive sources can be tracked down and catalogued. In addition, the unnecessary radioactive sources must be disposed in a secure and safe manner by taking significant incentives[footnoteRef:10] (Grotto 2005). [10: Grotto, A.J. "Defusing the Threat of Radiological Weapons: Integrating Prevention with Detection and Response." American Progress. http://www.americanprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/kf/dirtybomb072705.pdf (accessed January 24, 2013)]

Moreover, more efficient measures are necessary to develop so that the unlawful deliverance of materials from the foreign countries can be detected and intercepted. This is only possible once there is an improvement in the radiation detection technology. The implementation of an emergency response is also required for facilitating the progress of economic operations. The development of a medical surge facility is also significant for the treatment of radiation wounds. All countries must take efficient measures to teach the general population about radiation, radiological weapons and the potential hazards that can be caused by them (Grotto 2005).

The security of facilities that accommodate dangerous quantities of radioactive materials also needs improvement even if it means higher expenditures for enhanced safety measures. The modern times also demand the expansion of the usage of radiation detection system so that the detection process of dangerous amounts of radiation can be facilitated. It is a good thing that such systems are usually not expensive and of ordinary type. The Office of Homeland Security is liable to take quick measures for identifying all such areas where the installation of sensors is feasible. It must also ensure the nonstop evaluation and adequate security of the information those sensors will deliver (Kelly 2010).

High priority must also be given to the transportation and there must be a routine check on scrap metal yards and land fill sites. This is necessary for avoiding unlawful removal of hazardous radioactive materials. Existing detection technologies must also be improved and plans be devised for the same. USA also have a need of developing an effective system that is strong enough for "quickly gauging the extent of the damage, identifying appropriate responders, developing a coherent response plan, and getting the necessary personnel and equipment to the site rapidly"[footnoteRef:11] (Kelly 2010). [11: Kelly, H. "Dirty Bombs: Response to a Threat." Journal of the Federation of American Scientists 55, no. 2 (2002).]

Biological Terrorism

There are a number of options and resources that are available to conduct a biological attack. A tech-savvy as the materials needed are easy to obtain and are usually low-priced. Such materials include anthrax, botulinal toxin, ricin, hydrogen cyanide, mustard gases, tabun or VX etc. (Purver 1995). The likelihood that one day the biological agents may be used by the terrorists is unavoidable. Despite the fact that bioterrorism has not occurred in the past, "there are several reasons to believe that biological weapons will eventually be seriously considered and probably used in some manner by terrorists"[footnoteRef:12] (Purver 1995) in the future. The unconventional biological weapons may be used by the terrorist groups that experience major setbacks by government authorities. Such groups may conduct biological attacks as a last alternative for regaining momentum or avoiding total disintegration of their movement. [12: Purver, R.. "Chemical and Biological Terrorism: The Threat According to the Open Literature." CSIS, June 1995, 1-4.]

At present, it is an uneasy task to detect and identify self-protective measures that could be used to avoid or lessen the effects of a biological terrorist attack. However, researchers have concluded a number of measures that can be employed to avoid such an attack including gathering intelligence before an attack, the prevention of the attainment of biological agents by terrorists, "passive" protective measures before an attack (such as development of new detection technologies), "active" measures to respond to an attack that is in progress and post-attack mitigating measures (such as the establishment of an emergency preparedness program).

Potential Targets for Terrorism

There are a lot of places that can be targeted by terrorists to conduct an attack. Such places include airports, train stations, bus terminals, ports, hotels, hospitals, clinics, medical centers, post offices, restaurants, resorts, amusement parks, malls, religious places and landmarks, nuclear power plants, natural gas facilities, important buildings and bridges, casinos, subway stations, gas stations, electric power facilities, coal power plants, stadiums, arenas, foreign embassies, educational institutions, railway and highway bridges and so on.

Probable Forms of Terrorist Attack

The main form of a likely terrorist attack would be the creation of a dirty bomb as the materials required for its manufacturing "are relatively common and the required technical skills are minor, compared to other unconventional weapons"[footnoteRef:16] (Grotto). This combination of radiological matter with usual explosives has the possibility of creating mass casualties. [16: Grotto, A.J. "Defusing the Threat of Radiological Weapons: Integrating Prevention with Detection and Response." American Progress. http://www.americanprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/kf/dirtybomb072705.pdf (accessed January 2, 2013).]

Secondly, nuclear plants can be attacked as it also has the potential to create panic and mass casualties. Thirdly, airplanes can also be used for attacking buildings and other skyscrapers just as it was done in 9/11 attacks. Another probable attack could be conducted by first stealing a nuclear weapon, selling it to any terrorist organization and then trying to smuggle it into the target nation which is chosen for attack.

Conclusion

The 9/11 events have formed a condition for the United States administration to review, judge and evaluate her defense needs in a very cautious manner and make sure that the resources spent for safety measures are connected with the most necessary security threats. On the other hand, it is an unavoidable brutal reality that no scientific remedies have been developed till this moment that can offer absolute guarantee to the world that the human beings are safe from a radiological, biological or viral attack. Decisive, mean and immoral terrorist groups might still find out a technique to exploit radiological and biological weapons or other means when their only motive is to kill innocent people. The terrorist groups generally do not have any consideration to protect themselves from harm. Therefore, it is not unexpected that they might use radiological weapons that could even harm them. This is also a reason why radiological and "biological weapons proliferation is a serious problem that is increasing the probability of a serious bioterrorism incident"[footnoteRef:17] (Kortepeter & Parker 1999). [17: Kortepeter, M.G., and G.W. Parker. "Potential Biological Weapons Threats." Emerging Infectious Diseases 5, no. 4 (1999): 523-527.]

It is the high time to be well-prepared to act in response in an appropriate manner if any radiological, biological or viral forms of weapons are used by the ill-minded terrorist organizations. It is not an untold secret that the knowledge, technology, expertise and intellectual capacity is present today for a well-funded, extremely provoked terrorist group who are ever-ready to conduct such attacks. Such weapons possess the ability to cause a greatest realistic happening "to paralyze a large city or region of the country, causing high numbers of deaths, wide-scale panic, and massive disruption of commerce"[footnoteRef:18] (Kortepeter & Parker 1999). [18: Ibid.]

To cut a long story short, radiological and biological weapons can turn out to be an alternative for any future terrorist attacks due to their easy accessibility and lower technological handling. Thus, the world needs to better plan for any probable and intentional attack and look forward to alleviate their ultimate impact on the human race. For doing so, terrorist attacks must be prevented. Moreover, the prevention of the illegal acquirement, import, movement, or utilization of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear resources and facilities must be made sure. Last but not the least, there should be a reduction in the susceptibility and exposure of important infrastructure and key assets, critical leadership, and main proceedings to terrorist attacks and other similar threats.