Radioactive material stolen in Venezuela

ISN SECURITY WATCH (Tuesday, 20 December: 11.33 CET) - Venezuelan officials issued an alert on Monday after a truck containing a highly dangerous radioactive material was stolen, news agencies reported.

The truck was intercepted by hijackers near Yaritagua late on Sunday, and the driver and passengers were ordered to leave the vehicle, but were unharmed, according to Reuters.

The truck was carrying a yellow SPS 105 capsule loaded with iridium-192. The radioactive material could cause severe burns and radiation in case of contact.

“We have a state of emergency at a national and regional level, and are looking for the capsule everywhere,” civil defense director Colonel Antonio Rivero told Reuters news agency.