UAEs Barakah Nuclear Plant Hit by Drone Attack

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UAE Reports Fire at Barakah Nuclear Facility Following Drone Attack

A fire broke out at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region on Sunday, following a suspected drone attack. The incident has raised concerns about nuclear security and military escalation in the Gulf region.

The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is located approximately 225km west of Abu Dhabi and features four pressurised water reactors, each with a capacity to produce 1,400 megawatts. According to the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), the plant’s reactors produce 40 terawatt-hours per year, accounting for about 25 percent of the UAE’s electricity needs.

The fire occurred at an electrical generator outside the plant’s inner perimeter, but officials reported no injuries and normal radiation levels. Operations at the facility remained unaffected, with all units operating as normal.

The UAE Ministry of Defence stated that two additional drones had been intercepted, and the launch point was believed to be from the western border. The ministry condemned the “unprovoked terrorist attack” in a statement, emphasizing its commitment to protecting national security and sovereignty.

An adviser to the UAE’s president also weighed in on the incident, describing it as a “dangerous escalation” that violates international laws and norms. However, no country has publicly claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is the UAE’s only nuclear power plant, and its construction began in 2012. The facility was designed to meet one-quarter of the UAE’s electricity needs when fully operational.

Source: Al Jazeera