Israel tests 'dirty bombs' in desert

Jerusalem: Israel recently carried out at least 20 test explosions in its southern desert to measure the damage that would be inflicted by a so-called "dirty bomb" attack, Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz reported today.

The dirty bomb, or radiological dispersal device, is a speculative weapon that combines widely-used radiological materials with conventional explosives.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, no country or organisation has ever used it.

Israel's defence ministry spokespersons declined to comment on the report. However, the results of the experiments were published in a series of academic papers, which were obtained by Xinhua.

Israel evaluated the effects of the dirty bomb in two experimental programs, dubbed "Green Field" and "Red House," Xinhua has learnt.

In 2013, Minister of Defence Moshe Ya'alon warned then US secretary of Defence Chack Hagel that Iran was interested in planting a dirty bomb in various locations in the West.

Concerns over radiological terrorism began after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, after which Al Qaeda threatened to use radiological weaponry against the US.

Radioactive materials can be easily obtained from medical and industrial sources.