DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) β A drone strike targeted the United Arab Emirates' sole nuclear power plant on Sunday, sparking a fire on its perimeter. There were no reports of injuries or radiological release, but it highlighted the risk of renewed attacks on the region's critical infrastructure.
The attack occurred at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, located in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi. The plant is the first nuclear power station in the Arab world and has been operational since 2020. The UAE's Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation confirmed the incident and stated that the fire was quickly extinguished.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the drone strike. The attack comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with ongoing conflicts involving Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have previously launched drone and missile attacks on UAE targets. In January 2022, a similar drone attack on Abu Dhabi killed three people.
The Barakah plant is operated by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and has four reactors, with the fourth recently becoming operational. The plant is designed to withstand various threats, including aircraft impacts, but the perimeter fire raised concerns about security vulnerabilities.
International nuclear safety experts noted that while the fire did not affect the reactor core or safety systems, the incident underscores the need for enhanced security measures at critical infrastructure sites in conflict zones. The UAE government has not announced any changes to operations at the plant.
