US Transports 13.5 Kilograms of Highly Enriched Uranium from Venezuela to Savannah River Site
The United States has retrieved 13.5 kilograms of highly enriched uranium from Venezuela and transported it to the Savannah River Site nuclear facility in South Carolina for processing. This operation was completed in under six weeks through a collaborative effort involving the US, Venezuela, the United Kingdom, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which has confirmed the mission’s success. Recently, commercial flights between the US and Venezuela have resumed, and the American embassy has been re-established, signaling improving bilateral relations.
On April 9, the US disclosed that the uranium was extracted from a facility near Caracas and subsequently transported securely to the United States. According to the US Department of Energy, the material was transferred via land and sea routes to the Savannah River Site, where its processing will take place. The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) emphasized that this operation holds significant importance for the security of both South America and the United States.
Dr. Matt Napoli, NNSA’s Deputy Administrator, personally oversaw the mission in Venezuela and attributed the operation’s success to the expertise of the team involved. The International Atomic Energy Agency noted the mission’s complexity and sensitivity. The report also highlights that during the Trump administration, there was persistent pressure regarding highly enriched uranium in Iran.
In recent months, prominent US officials, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe, have visited Venezuela. Commercial flights between the two nations have resumed after a seven-year hiatus. Venezuela possesses one of the world’s largest oil reserves. The report indicates that the United States is actively seeking to expand trade in the energy and mining sectors within Venezuela.
