Drone strikes near Barakah nuclear plant in UAE, fire erupts
Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in UAE (photo: wikimedia.org)
An unidentified drone struck an electrical generator near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates on May 17, according to the Wall Street Journal and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on X.
"The IAEA has been informed by the UAE that radiation levels at the Barakah NPP remain normal after a drone strike this morning caused a fire in an electrical generator located outside the inner site perimeter of the NPP," the agency said.
It noted that emergency diesel generators are currently supplying electricity to Unit 3 of the plant.
"The IAEA is following the situation closely and is in constant contact with the UAE authorities, ready to provide assistance if needed," the IAEA added.
The UAE has not said who launched the drone. The Barakah plant's four reactors provide around a quarter of the country's electricity needs.
Ukrainian Foreign Ministry responds
"Today's attack on the Barakah NPP perimeter in the UAE, in which a UAV struck an electrical generator, is utterly unacceptable. Ukraine strongly condemns any attacks endangering nuclear facilities," said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
According to him, Ukraine has been subjected for more than four years to targeted Russian strikes on energy infrastructure, including nuclear facilities, which continue to pose serious risks to civilians, the region, and the world.
"The protection of nuclear facilities everywhere is critical and must be guaranteed unconditionally," the minister stressed.
Iran continues strikes on UAE and allies
On May 10, UAE air defense systems successfully shot down two Iranian drones. No casualties or injuries were reported in the incident.
Also, reports emerged that on May 4, Iran resumed attacks on the United Arab Emirates, using four missiles and drones. Three missiles were intercepted over territorial waters, while one fell into the sea.
Notably, to strengthen air defenses, Israel supplied the UAE with advanced systems, including the Iron Beam laser system and the Spectro drone detection system.
