The United Arab Emirates confirmed that a drone strike caused a fire near its nuclear power station on Sunday, describing the incident as a dangerous escalation. Authorities are currently investigating the origin of the strike, with the defense ministry indicating that three drones had entered the UAE from the western border direction. While two drones were intercepted, the third successfully targeted an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, resulting in a fire.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and local authorities asserted that there was no impact on radiological safety levels. The UAE's foreign ministry condemned the drone strike as an unacceptable act of aggression, claiming the nation reserves the right to respond to any hostilities. They further stated that such attacks on peaceful nuclear energy facilities constitute a flagrant violation of international law and humanitarian principles.
The country's defense ministry affirmed its commitment to firmly address any threats to its security. However, the source of the drone launch has not yet been disclosed. The Emirati government has previously accused Iran of being behind attacks on its energy and economic infrastructures amid regional tensions.
The Abu Dhabi Media Office confirmed that the fire erupted in an electric generator but also reassured that precautionary measures had been enacted and that the plant continues to operate normally.
In response to the incident, Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the UN's nuclear watchdog, expressed grave concern and emphasized that military activities endangering nuclear safety are unacceptable, calling for maximum restraint.
In related news, on the same day, Saudi Arabia stated that it intercepted and destroyed three drones entering its airspace from Iraq, indicating a regional rise in military activity.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and local authorities asserted that there was no impact on radiological safety levels. The UAE's foreign ministry condemned the drone strike as an unacceptable act of aggression, claiming the nation reserves the right to respond to any hostilities. They further stated that such attacks on peaceful nuclear energy facilities constitute a flagrant violation of international law and humanitarian principles.
The country's defense ministry affirmed its commitment to firmly address any threats to its security. However, the source of the drone launch has not yet been disclosed. The Emirati government has previously accused Iran of being behind attacks on its energy and economic infrastructures amid regional tensions.
The Abu Dhabi Media Office confirmed that the fire erupted in an electric generator but also reassured that precautionary measures had been enacted and that the plant continues to operate normally.
In response to the incident, Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the UN's nuclear watchdog, expressed grave concern and emphasized that military activities endangering nuclear safety are unacceptable, calling for maximum restraint.
In related news, on the same day, Saudi Arabia stated that it intercepted and destroyed three drones entering its airspace from Iraq, indicating a regional rise in military activity.
