Drone Strike Near UAE Nuclear Plant Raises Security Concerns
Drone Hits UAE's Nuclear Plant Generator From Western Border. Who Could Be Responsible?
Image: News 18
A drone attack near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi sparked a fire but caused no injuries or radiation leaks. The UAE's Ministry of Defence is investigating the incident, which is suspected to involve Houthi rebels or Iranian-backed militias. The International Atomic Energy Agency condemned the attack, emphasizing the need for military restraint near nuclear facilities.
- 01The drone strike occurred on Sunday, with the UAE's Ministry of Defence confirming it was one of three drones entering from the western border.
- 02The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, operational since 2020, supplies about 25% of the UAE's electricity.
- 03Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, condemned the attack as 'unacceptable' and called for military restraint.
- 04The UAE has accused Iran of supporting attacks on its infrastructure, particularly following recent regional tensions.
- 05The US and Iran have agreed to a fragile ceasefire since April 8, but hostilities and attacks continue.
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On Sunday, a drone strike ignited a fire near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, although there were no injuries and radiation levels remained normal. The UAE's Ministry of Defence reported that the drone was one of three that entered the country from the western border. The drone hit an electrical generator outside the plant's inner perimeter, prompting an investigation to identify the source of the attack. Speculation suggests that Houthi rebels from Yemen or Iranian-backed militias in Iraq could be responsible for the strike. The UAE has previously accused Iran of supporting assaults on its energy infrastructure. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) condemned the attack, emphasizing the need for military restraint near nuclear facilities to prevent potential accidents. The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, which began operations in 2020 and provides around a quarter of the UAE's electricity, briefly halted operations as a precaution but reported no direct damage to its reactors. This incident raises significant security concerns amid ongoing regional tensions and a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran.
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The drone strike raises concerns about the security of critical infrastructure in the UAE, potentially affecting energy supply stability and regional safety.
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