Nuke, bioterror attack called likely

Published: Dec. 1, 2008 at 7:39 AM
Order reprints
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- The United States and other nations need to act urgently to prevent a nuclear or biological terrorism attack in the near future, a bipartisan panel says.

A report to be released Monday by the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism says urgent security measures need to be taken soon or the world is likely to undergo an incident of terrorism using weapons of mass destruction within the next five years, The New York Times reported.

"Unless the world community acts decisively and with great urgency, it is more likely than not that a weapon of mass destruction will be used in a terrorist attack somewhere in the world by the end of 2013," the report states in the opening sentence of the executive summary.

The panel was created by Congress as part of the recommendations of 9/11 Commission, and its nine members include several Democrats who are active in U.S. President-elect Barack Obama's transition team.

It cited Pakistan as a trouble spot where extremism, terrorism and nuclear capabilities intersect and urged that Iran and North Korea's nuclear programs be contained, even if it means taking military action, the Times reported.


© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.


Four soldiers receive new German award (<1 min)
Monkeys make a break from Scottish zoo (5 min)
Police: S.C. serial killer is dead (26 min)
California credit rating takes a hit (38 min)
Researchers find cancer link to freckles (41 min)
Bohemian Club seeks timber permit (45 min)
AG to ask for murder case dismissals (48 min)
Dying teen helped by Make-A-Wish probably didn't wish to die in a rafting accident
Chinese drywall supplies comtaminated. Supplies
Chester Zoo warns visitors to beware the Apes of Wrath
SLED confirms that man killed in NC was SC serial killer. Local gun store owners inconsolable
Photoshop this air compressor
Wallet stolen in 1982 found inside a tree with everything but a $20 bill still inside. In other...