In the UAE, a generator at the Barakah nuclear power plant caught fire after a drone strike. IAEA said background radiation is normal

In the UAE, after a drone strike, a power generator behind the inner perimeter of the Barakah nuclear power plant in the Al-Dhafra area caught fire, the Abu Dhabi media office reported . According to the authorities, there were no casualties, the incident did not affect the level of radiation safety, and all power units of the station are operating normally.

The UAE's Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) said the fire did not impact the safety of the plant or the availability of its essential systems. At the same time, emergency diesel generators now provide power to the third power unit.

The IAEA reported that UAE authorities informed the agency that radiation levels at the nuclear power plant were normal. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi expressed “serious concern” and said military activity that threatens nuclear security is unacceptable.

Barakah Nuclear Power Plant is the only nuclear power plant in the UAE. The country's authorities have not said who they believe is behind the attack. The Wall Street Journal previously wrote, citing sources, that the UAE secretly participated in the war against Iran and, in particular, attacked an oil refinery on the Iranian island of Lawan. After this, according to the publication’s interlocutors, Iran attacked the UAE and Kuwait with missiles and drones.