A drone strike sparked a fire on the perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the United Arab Emirates, authorities said, but radiation levels remained normal and plant operations were not affected.
UAE officials reported the blaze began at an electrical generator outside the plant’s inner security perimeter in the Al Dhafra region on Sunday. No injuries were reported. The UAE nuclear regulator said all units at the country’s first nuclear power station were operating normally.
The UAE Defense Ministry said air defences intercepted two drones, while a third struck the generator. The ministry added the drones were launched from the “western border” and that investigations were under way to determine the attack’s origin. The government has not publicly blamed any country.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said the incident briefly forced one reactor to run on emergency diesel generators. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi called the episode a matter of “grave concern,” saying military actions that threaten nuclear facilities are unacceptable.
Barakah is located in the Al Dhafra area, roughly 225km west of Abu Dhabi and close to the Saudi border. Despite the proximity to populated and strategic areas, officials emphasized that radiation readings stayed within normal limits and that plant systems continued to function.
The strike comes amid continuing regional tensions since the start of open hostilities between Iran and Israel and the United States earlier in the year. Although Washington and Tehran announced a ceasefire on April 8, attacks using missiles and drones have continued to target Gulf states.
Last week UAE officials accused Iran of launching missiles and drones at the port city of Fujairah, where an attack injured three Indian nationals and sparked a fire at an oil facility. Tehran has previously warned that countries hosting US military bases or interests linked to Israel could be targeted.
Relations between the UAE and Israel have been a point of contention: Iran has accused the UAE of growing ties with Israel, and media reports of a secret visit by Israel’s prime minister were denied by Emirati authorities. The US envoy to Israel recently said Israel had deployed Iron Dome batteries and personnel to the UAE to help defend against potential Iranian strikes.
In response to ongoing incidents, the UAE Foreign Ministry rejected attempts to justify attacks on its territory and said it reserves the right to respond to threats.
Local and international investigators continue to probe the origin and circumstances of the drone attack on Barakah. Authorities reiterated that, for now, there is no indication of a radiological release and that plant operations remain secure.