The United Arab Emirates reported a drone strike that triggered a fire near its nuclear power station on Sunday, referring to the situation as a 'dangerous escalation'. Officials are currently investigating the origin of the strike, while the UAE's defense ministry revealed that three drones entered the country from the 'western border direction'.
While two drones were intercepted, the third drone managed to strike an electrical generator 'outside the inner perimeter' of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi, resulting in a fire. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and authorities confirmed there was no impact on radiological safety levels.
The UAE's foreign ministry denounced the strike as an 'unacceptable act of aggression', asserting the nation's right to respond to any hostilities and emphasizing that such actions targeting peaceful nuclear energy facilities violate international law and humanitarian principles.
According to the defense ministry, the UAE will 'firmly confront any attempts to undermine the country's security'. The exact launch site of the drone remains undisclosed, although the UAE has previously accused Iran of being involved in attacks on its energy and economic infrastructure amidst ongoing regional tensions.
The Abu Dhabi Media Office stated that the fire broke out in an electric generator and confirmed that precautionary measures were taken at the power plant, which continues to operate normally.
In response to the incident, the UN's nuclear watchdog is closely monitoring developments, with its director general Rafael Grossi expressing 'grave concern' about the situation. Grossi called for 'maximum military restraint', underscoring that 'military activity that threatens nuclear safety is unacceptable'.
Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia's defense ministry reported having intercepted and destroyed three drones that entered its airspace from Iraq, highlighting the ongoing regional challenges related to drone activity.
