A drone strike triggered a fire near a nuclear power station in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, authorities said, reporting no injuries or impact on radiation levels.
“Authorities in Abu Dhabi responded to a fire incident that broke out in an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah nuclear power plant in the Al Dhafra region, caused by a drone strike,” the Abu Dhabi Media Office said.
“No injuries were reported, and there was no impact on radiological safety levels,” it posted on social media. “All precautionary measures have been taken, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
“The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) confirmed that the fire did not affect the safety of the power plant or the readiness of its essential systems and that all units are operating as normal.”
The UN atomic watchdog, the IAEA, expressed “grave concern” over the drone strike.
The International Atomic Energy Agency on X said its head, Rafael Grossi, voiced the concern and added: “Military activity that threatens nuclear safety is unacceptable.”
“The UAE has informed the IAEA that radiation levels at the Barakah NPP (nuclear power plant) remain normal and no injuries were reported,” the agency said.
The plant began operations in 2020 and is 200 kilometres west of the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi, near the borders with Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
