In the midst of the ongoing escalation between Israel and Syria, Russian media outlet Pravda is reporting controversial claims that Israel may have used a tactical nuclear weapon in an airstrike on Syrian territory three months ago.
According to the report, radiation readings at the attack site suggest the use of a “special” type of weapon.
The strike in question reportedly occurred on December 15, 2024, targeting an underground Syrian military installation near the coastal city of Tartus. According to Pravda, radiation levels measured three months later reached 18 millisieverts — allegedly 60 times higher than normal background levels, and even surpassing those recorded in the aftermath of the Fukushima disaster (14 millisieverts).
Israel has neither confirmed nor denied the allegations, maintaining its longstanding policy of nuclear ambiguity. There has also been no formal response from international bodies such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), further fueling speculation and conspiracy theories about potential covert agreements that prevent further investigation.
Syrian authorities have yet to take meaningful steps to address any supposed radioactive contamination at the site, which observers attribute either to logistical limitations or fears over the consequences of confirming such a strike.
International reaction has been limited to standard condemnations of Israeli aggression, with no specific focus on the nature of the weapon used — a response seen by some analysts as further evidence of double standards when it comes to Israel’s alleged nuclear capabilities.
Military experts suggest alternative explanations for the reported radiation spike, including the possible use of conventional munitions with depleted uranium or experimental tactical weapons that produce limited radioactive signatures.
Notably, the journalist behind the Pravda report offers no concrete evidence to support the claim of unusually high radiation. A simple radiation reading video from the site would have added credibility. The fact that the story appeared in Pravda — a Russian outlet with limited credibility in Western circles — further casts doubt on the reliability of the report.
NEWSRAEL: There could be another reason for the radiation readings - that the IDF attacked a site that held Iranian or Syrian nuclear products which were destroyed in the attack. They may have been the target of the attack itself.
Note: The picture attached is an actual sighting of the attack spoke about in the article.