Fire Erupts At UAE's Only Nuclear Power Plant After Drone Attack

UAE Launches Probe Into Attack

The UAE did not directly blame any particular country, nor has any particular group taken responsibility for the attack. Investigation to find out the origin of drones is ongoing. The Defence Ministry said that two drones were intercepted and another struck an electrical generator near the nuclear power plant, the ministry added it was from the 'western border' without further explanation of where this was. According to Abu Dhabi Media Office the electrical generator was located outside the nuclear power plant's protected inner area.

IAEA Reports Safe Radiation Levels

The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed the drone hit the facility with one of its reactors switching over to emergency generators.

"Military activity that threatens nuclear safety is unacceptable. The IAEA has been informed by the UAE that radiation levels at the Barakah NPP (nuclear power plant) remain normal and no injuries were reported," the agency said.

Barakah Is Arab World’s First Plant

Built by the UAE with the aid of South Korea at $20 billion, the Barakah nuclear power plant went live in 2020 and is the first and only nuclear power plant on the Arabian peninsula. The nuclear power plant can supply electricity for up to a quarter of the UAE's energy demands. 

It is the first commercial nuclear power plant within the Arab world and is located 200km to the west of the capital Abu Dhabi near the borders of Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Peace Talks Fail To Ease Crisis

This latest drone strike occurred while negotiations continue to try and broker a lasting peace in Iran, with America urging Iran to roll back its nuclear program and ease pressure on shipping lanes around the Strait of Hormuz and Iran calling for reparations for damage from war and an end to pressure from America's ports. US president Donald Trump has declared further military action a distinct possibility should the war continue on its current trajectory.

UAE Faces Repeated Drone Attacks

Since joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran occurred on Feb 28, Iran has made repeated strikes targeting the UAE and other countries bordering the Persian Gulf which host US bases, causing casualties among civilians and on energy infrastructure. 

Targets hit on the UAE, which intensified throughout this month, came following the launch of the US naval initiative to secure the Strait of Hormuz, which only lasted for 48 hours before being called off by President Trump.