Working together, NNSA and DTRA removed a radioactive cobalt-60 source from a facility in Guatemala. This mission strengthens Americans’ security and keeps high-risk materials out of the wrong hands.
National Nuclear Security Administration
August 27, 2026
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Interagency Cooperation Strengthens Global Security and Reduces Risk to America
WASHINGTON – The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) worked with the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) to successfully remove a cobalt-60 source in Guatemala, strengthening U.S. and global radiological security.
NNSA works with partner nations around the world to reduce nuclear and radiological risk. While cobalt-60 is used in medical devices to treat cancer, the highly radioactive source could be stolen and used to create a “dirty bomb.” The Trump Administration’s 2026 Counterterrorism Strategy underscores that preventing terrorists from acquiring chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapons is a critical national security responsibility of the U.S. Government.
“Our mission is simple: protect American citizens, secure our borders, and ensure our adversaries never get their hands on materials that could harm our country,” said Matthew Napoli, Deputy Administrator for NNSA’s Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation. “This successful removal is a massive win for homeland security and demonstrates our positive relationship with the Guatemalan government. NNSA will do whatever it takes to defend America and keep our communities safe.”
In May, a team from NNSA’s Los Alamos National Laboratory worked with a facility in Guatemala to remove part of a disused U.S.-origin medical radiation device – a teletherapy machine – containing cobalt-60 and transport it to secured storage in the United States. Guatemalan representatives from the National Centre of Radioactive Wastes and the Ministry of Energy and Mines provided expert transportation, logistical, and physical security support throughout the removal process.
“Thanks to our collaboration with NNSA and DTRA in removing high-risk radioactive material from our facility, we were able to eliminate the danger it posed to our community and country,” said Mayra Villatoro, Head of Unit of Technical Laboratories at the Ministry of Energy and Mines.
Working together, NNSA securely packaged the cobalt-60 component, and DTRA provided secure transportation of the source back to the United States.
“The successful repatriation of the cobalt-60 source is a product of vital U.S. Government interagency cooperation,” said Robert Bridges, DTRA Program Manager of Nuclear Transportation & Disposition. “We are proud to work with NNSA to take meaningful action in their mission to eliminate radiological risk and keep America safe.”
NNSA’s Office of Radiological Security enhances U.S. and global security through a two-pronged approach of eliminating risk by removing high-activity radioactive material and preventing adversaries from acquiring this material through strong industry, law enforcement, and government partnerships. These efforts safeguard American interests and promote a safer and more secure America.