IAEA Offers Technical Support to UAE After Drone Attack on Nuclear Plant
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has extended its technical and moral support to the United Arab Emirates following a drone attack on the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant last month. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi made the announcement on Tuesday after visiting the site of the plant, located in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi.
Grossi praised the swift response of Emirati authorities, who shut down a reactor after the attack caused a loss of external power. The Barakah plant, the first commercial nuclear power station in the Arab world, was targeted by three drones, of which two were intercepted. One drone managed to penetrate the UAE's defenses and struck an electric generator outside the inner perimeter of the facility, according to Emirati officials.
The UAE's defense ministry confirmed that the drone that hit the generator was launched from Iraq. The attack occurred amid heightened tensions in the region, with Iranian-backed militia groups in Iraq claiming responsibility for attacks against what they describe as "enemy bases in Iraq and the region" during the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Grossi stated that a number of activities would be undertaken to complete repairs at the plant, which could take a "matter of weeks." He noted that both physical repairs and maintenance to an external power line were required. "The repairs are under way already," he said in an interview with Reuters.
Following the drone strike, the UAE's Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation assured that the plant remained safe and that no radioactive material had been released due to the attack. The incident occurred despite a ceasefire that came into effect in April, which has largely calmed hostilities in the region. However, drones have continued to be launched from Iraq toward Gulf countries.
The IAEA chief emphasized the importance of ensuring the security of nuclear facilities worldwide. He reiterated the agency's commitment to providing assistance to member states in protecting such critical infrastructure from potential threats. The Barakah plant, which has been operational since 2020, plays a key role in the UAE's energy diversification strategy, contributing to the country's goal of generating 50% of its energy from clean sources by 2050.
