Yes, Bashar al-Assad attempted to build a nuclear reactor in the desert northwest of Deir al-Zour in the 2000s. It was part of a covert nuclear program, which reportedly received assistance from North Korea. The site was bombed and destroyed by Israeli warplanes in 2007 before it could become operational. Inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) concluded in 2011 that it was very likely a nuclear reactor, a finding they confirmed in 2026 when the government of Ahmed al-Sharaa allowed more transparency in the inspections.
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.
Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style