Military | Free Press DC

A fire has broken out at the Barakah nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to the Abu Dhabi Media Authority on May 17.

The fire began after a drone attack on the Barakah nuclear power plant in the Al-Dhafra region. No deaths or injuries were reported.

The UAE news agency said that the fire broke out in an electrical generator outside the perimeter of the power plant and did not negatively impact the safety of the site.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) responded to the attack with a statement condemning "military activity that threatens nuclear safety is unacceptable."

The IAEA said that it had been assured by the UAE that radiational levels at Barakah remain normal and that emergency diesel generators are currently providing power to the power plants third unit.

"The IAEA is following the situation closely and is in constant contact with the UAE authorities, ready to provide assistance if needed," the agency said on X.

IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi "expresses grave concern about the incident and says military activity that threatens nuclear safety is unacceptable," the agency continued. "The DG reiterates call for maximum military restraint near any NPP to avoid the danger of a nuclear accident."

Following the launch of US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, the UAE became the biggest target of Tehran's retaliatory attacks.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-war-us-hormuz-oil- blockade-gulf-israel/33640284.html?lbis=455405