UAEs Barakah Nuclear Power Plant Experiences Fire Following Drone Strike

A fire broke out at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after a suspected drone attack on Sunday. The blaze occurred at an electrical generator outside the plant’s inner perimeter in the Al Dhafra region. No injuries were reported, and authorities stated that radiation levels remained within normal limits.

The UAE’s nuclear regulator confirmed that operations at the facility, which is the first nuclear power station on the Arabian Peninsula, continued as usual. The country’s Defense Ministry released a statement saying air defenses successfully dealt with two drones, while a third one hit a generator near the plant. The ministry stated that the drones were launched from the “western border” without providing further details.

Investigations are underway to determine the source of the attack. The incident is the latest in a series of drone attacks targeting the UAE since the US and Israel began attacking Iran on February 28. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that the incident forced one reactor to rely temporarily on emergency diesel generators.

The plant, located near the border with Saudi Arabia, has been the target of repeated Iranian missile and drone attacks despite a ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran announced on April 8. Last week, Emirati officials accused Iran of launching missiles and drones at the port city of Fujairah, resulting in injuries to three Indian nationals and a fire at an oil facility.

The incident has raised concerns over regional tensions amid ongoing conflicts between Iran and the US. The UAE’s Foreign Ministry rejected Iranian claims that it was strengthening ties with Israel, stating that it reserved the right to respond to any threats.

Source: Al Jazeera