User:CWO540/Nuclear terrorism

Radiological Terrorism
One form of nuclear terrorism a terrorist group can take is radiological terrorism. Unlike traditional nuclear weapons, a radiological weapon does not use a nuclear explosion to cause massive damage. Instead, radiological weapons utilize the killing potential of radiation as its primary threat. Radiological weapons usually come in two variants: radioactive dispersal devices (RDDs) or radioactive exposure devices (REDs). Compared to other forms of nuclear terrorism, radiological terrorism would cause the lowest amount of destruction. Instead, a terrorist's likely goal with a radiological device would be to elicit panic and destabilize an economy, while also causing both short and long term health issues for the people unlucky enough to be exposed to the radiation. An act of radiological terrorism is considered the easiest form of nuclear terrorism due to the fact that there are a large number of radioactive materials that can be used, such as components for radiotherapy found in hospitals and due to their relatively simple construction.

Radioactive Dispersal Devices (RDDs)
One type of radiological terrorism is using a radioactive dispersal device (RDD). An RDD spreads radioactive material either through the explosion of a traditional (non-nuclear) explosive, or by using other methods of distribution. Using traditional explosives to spread radioactive material is also called a "dirty bomb." An explosion of a dirty bomb in an urban area would cause damage and injury from the explosion, as well as expose those within a few blocks of the explosion with varying amounts of radiation. Additionally, a dirty bomb would contaminate the area, leaving it uninhabitable. The area would then need to be thoroughly cleaned, costing the local authorities large amounts of money.

Radioactive Exposure Devices (REDs)
A radioactive exposure device (RED) does not expel radioactive material, instead it passively emits radiation into an area. A likely scenario a terrorist organization could utilize an RED is to place one in a busy, heavily trafficked area such as a subway station or sports arena. These devices could prove more difficult to spot than a dirty bomb, requiring less obtrusive devices. However, REDs would have less of an impact on the area.

Attacking a Nuclear Plant
One way a terrorist group could cause major disruption and damage without making or acquiring a nuclear weapon is to attack or infiltrate a nuclear reactor. This is a real threat due to the large number of nuclear facilities around the world, some less secure than others. Terrorists could be interested in these locations to either steal radioactive materials, or to sabotage the reactor, potentially leading to a meltdown which would expel radiation to the surrounding area and cause large amounts of damage.

There are several ways a terrorist group could target and attack a nuclear facility. One way is by traditional ground assault, using an armed group of combatants to breach the security of the facility. Another method could be using an aircraft or drone to crash into a nuclear plant, destroying a vital component of the facility. Other forms of attack could include mortar or rocket strikes, trucks with explosives, or cyberattacks.