The National Nuclear Security Administration and Defense Threat Reduction Agency removed a disused cobalt-60 source from Guatemala, transporting the material to secured storage in the United States.
The operation, which started in May, involved the Department of Energy’s Los Alamos National Laboratory and Guatemalan officials from the National Centre of Radioactive Wastes and Ministry of Energy and Mines, according to an Aug. 27 agency press release.
The cobalt-60 source was part of a U.S.-origin teletherapy machine previously used for medical radiation treatment. While cobalt-60 has legitimate medical applications, its high radioactivity makes it a potential component in a radiological dispersal device, or “dirty bomb.”
NNSA said the operation supports U.S. efforts to reduce nuclear and radiological risks internationally and aligns with the Donald Trump administration’s 2026 Counterterrorism Strategy, which identifies preventing terrorists from obtaining chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear weapons as a national security priority.
NNSA personnel securely packaged the cobalt-60 component, while DTRA provided secure transportation back to the United States. Guatemalan officials provided transportation, logistical and physical security support.
Matthew Napoli, NNSA deputy administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, called the removal a “massive win” for homeland security and cited U.S.-Guatemalan cooperation.