A drone strike on the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi caused a fire in an electrical generator outside the facility, officials confirmed. Iran has been blamed for the attack, which threatens a fragile truce in the region.
Incident Details
The Abu Dhabi media office issued a statement on X detailing the response: 'Authorities in Abu Dhabi responded to a fire incident that broke out in an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra Region, caused by a drone strike. No injuries were reported, and there was no impact on radiological safety levels.' The statement added that all precautionary measures have been taken, with further updates to follow.
The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) confirmed the fire did not affect the safety of the power plant or the readiness of its essential systems, and all units are operating normally. The public was reminded to obtain information from official sources only and avoid spreading rumours.
International Response
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was notified about the incident and confirmed unchanged radiation levels at Barakah. In a statement on X, the IAEA said: 'Emergency diesel generators are currently providing power to the NPP's unit 3. The IAEA is following the situation closely and is in constant contact with the UAE authorities, ready to provide assistance if needed.'
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi voiced 'grave concern,' stating that 'military activity that threatens nuclear safety is unacceptable.'
Regional Context
No details were immediately released regarding the source of the drone attack, but the UAE has blamed Iran. At the peak of hostilities between Iran, Israel, and the US, Tehran launched a wave of missile and drone strikes against neighbouring countries, including the UAE.
