In brief
A recent drone strike near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the UAE has raised alarm over national security. The incident, deemed a 'dangerous escalation' by local officials, involved three drones, two of which were intercepted. While the attack caused a fire in an electrical generator, no injuries or impact on nuclear safety were reported. The UAE's government has condemned the strike as an 'unacceptable act of aggression' and has vowed to respond to any threats against its security.
The United Arab Emirates stated that a drone strike had triggered a fire near its nuclear power station on Sunday, describing the incident as a dangerous escalation.
Officials are currently investigating the origin of the strike, with the country's defense ministry reporting that three drones entered the UAE from the western border direction.
Out of the three drones, two were intercepted while the third struck an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi, igniting a fire.
No injuries were reported, and local authorities affirmed that there was no impact on radiological safety levels.
The UAE's foreign ministry condemned the strike as an unacceptable act of aggression, asserting its right to respond to hostilities.
Officials emphasized that the targeting of peaceful nuclear energy facilities constitutes a blatant violation of international law, the UN charter, and the principles of humanitarian law.
The defense ministry asserted it would firmly confront any attempts to undermine the country's security.
While the source of the drone strike remains unidentified, the UAE has previously accused Iran of being behind attacks targeting its energy and economic infrastructure since the onset of regional conflicts in February.
The Abu Dhabi Media Office confirmed the fire occurred in an electrical generator, noting that precautionary measures were enacted at the plant, which continues to operate normally.
The UN's nuclear watchdog is closely monitoring the situation, with its director general Rafael Grossi expressing grave concern over the incident.
Grossi stated that military activity that threatens nuclear safety is unacceptable and urged for maximum military restraint.
In a related incident, Saudi Arabia's defense ministry reported the interception and destruction of three drones that entered its airspace from Iraq on the same day.
