Iraq is searching for “highly dangerous” radioactive material stolen last year, according to an Environment Ministry document and security, environmental and provincial officials who fear that it could be used as a weapon if acquired by the Islamic State.

 

The material disappeared in November from a storage facility near the southern city of Basra belonging to the U.S. oil-field services company Weatherford, the document seen by Reuters showed and officials confirmed.

 

A spokesman for Iraq’s Environment Ministry said he could not discuss the issue, citing national security concerns.

 

Weatherford said in a statement that it is not responsible or liable for the theft. The U.S. State Department said it was aware of the reports but has seen no sign that the Islamic State or other militant groups have acquired the material. (Reuters)