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US completes removal of 13.5 kg of enriched uranium from Venezuela

2 sources · 09 May 2026 · Share coverage ·

The US Department of Energy completed the removal of 13.5 kilograms of enriched uranium from Venezuela in May 2026. The material came from a research reactor and was transported to the US for processing. The operation involved international partners including the United Kingdom and Venezuela.

Uranium enriched above 20% is considered critical material for nuclear non-proliferation and is sought after by the United States in its international negotiations. The operation is part of the U.S. Department of Energy's decommissioning and nuclear non-proliferation program.

1. What we know (2)

Both sources confirm UK participation in the operation

2 sources Opera Mundi Poder360

NNSA's Brandon Williams credited the success to Trump's leadership with nearly identical statements in both sources

2 sources Opera Mundi Poder360
2. Where coverage thins out (5)

Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.

Covered by only some sources (5)

The specific operation duration was less than six weeks

Reported by: Opera Mundi
Did not cover: Poder360

Details about the RV-1 reactor and uranium technical specifications

Reported by: Opera Mundi
Did not cover: Poder360

Final destination specified as Savannah River for processing

Reported by: Opera Mundi
Did not cover: Poder360

Destination described as a Department of Energy complex in South Carolina

Reported by: Poder360
Did not cover: Opera Mundi

Connection of operation to political changes after January 2026

Reported by: Poder360
Did not cover: Opera Mundi
3. What we don't know yet

No gaps declared — all sources converge on the material facts.

All sources

2