UN watchdog warns on nuclear trafficking.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported 168 incidents of missing radioactive material in 31 countries last year, consistent with historical averages. Six incidents were likely linked to trafficking or malicious use, categorized as Group I. The agency has documented over 4,200 such incidents in the past 30 years. The database tracks three levels of incidents, with Group I being the most severe. Despite a decline in incidents involving nuclear material like uranium and plutonium, vigilance is crucial, particularly in transport security. Elena Buglova, director of IAEA's nuclear security division, stressed the need for continuous regulatory oversight and improvement in handling radioactive materials. The agency's findings were released during its international conference on nuclear security in Vienna.