Grossi says any military activity threatening nuclear safety is unacceptable

Source: Global Times
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Report Content

On May 17, Xinhua News Agency reported from Vienna (Reporter Meng Fanyu) that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) issued a statement on social media expressing serious concern over the drone attack on the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the UAE that occurred on the same day. IAEA Director General Grossi stated that any military activity threatening nuclear safety is unacceptable.

The statement emphasized that maximum military restraint should be maintained near any nuclear power plant to avoid nuclear accidents.

According to reports from the UAE, the drone attack caused a fire in one of the generators located in the outer area of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, but there were no casualties. Currently, emergency diesel generators are supplying power to Unit 3 of the nuclear power plant, and radiation levels at the plant remain normal.

Additionally, a statement from the UAE Ministry of Defense on the 17th indicated that the UAE air defense system intercepted three drones entering UAE airspace from the western border direction on the same day, successfully shooting down two of them, while the other struck a generator located outside the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant. Relevant authorities are currently investigating the source of the attack. The UAE Armed Forces are on full alert to respond to any threats to national security and stability.

The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant is the first nuclear power plant in the UAE, which began operations in August 2020. (End)

Classification
Region
West Asia
Analytical Domain
Operational
Primary Category / Secondary Categories
Military Operations / ISR Activity
Subcategory
Defensive Action
SALUTE Report
Size
3 drones intercepted, 1 drone caused fire
Activity
Drone attack on Barakah Nuclear Power Plant
Location
Barakah · Abu Dhabi · United Arab Emirates
Unit
UAE Armed Forces
Time
May 17, 2023
Equipment
dronesemergency diesel generator
Summary

On May 17, 2023, a drone attack targeted the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the UAE, causing a fire at a generator. The UAE's air defense intercepted three drones, successfully shooting down two. IAEA Director General Grossi condemned the attack, emphasizing the need for military restraint near nuclear facilities. The UAE Armed Forces are currently on high alert to address any threats to national security.

Key Facts
  • IAEA Director General Grossi expressed serious concern over the drone attack on Barakah Nuclear Power Plant.
  • The attack resulted in a fire at a generator but no casualties were reported.
  • UAE air defense intercepted three drones, two were shot down, and one hit the power plant.
  • The UAE Armed Forces are on high alert to respond to any threats to national security.
  • Barakah is the UAE's first nuclear power plant, operational since August 2020.