UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – The United Arab Emirates urged the world to strengthen protection of civilian nuclear facilities after a drone attack targeted the Barakah nuclear power plant. The attack caused no casualties and had no impact on radiation safety, but was considered a serious threat to regional security.
Quoted from the Gulf News report, Sunday, June 7, the appeal was made at an extraordinary session of the International Atomic Energy Agency or IAEA Board of Governors in Vienna.
Abdullah Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE for Energy and Sustainability Affairs, said the drone was launched from Iraqi territory. The drone hit an electrical generator outside the perimeter of the Barakah nuclear power plant.
According to UAE authorities, all reactor units remain safe and stable. Radiation levels are also within normal limits. No radioactive effects were detected.
The IAEA emergency session was held at the request of Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia. IAEA member states praised the UAE’s response, which was considered transparent and responsible.
Balalaa strongly condemned the attack. He called it a dangerous escalation and a direct threat to the UAE’s national security.
“Targeting peaceful nuclear power plants is a clear violation of international law, the Charter of the United Nations, and international humanitarian law,” Balalaa said, quoted by Gulf News.
He warned that attacks on nuclear facilities could have far-reaching consequences for civilians, the environment, the economy, and regional stability. According to him, the absence of radiation leaks in the Barakah incident should not make the attack considered mild.
“Protection of peaceful nuclear facilities is an established international principle and a shared responsibility of the international community,” he said.
According to Gulf News, the UAE immediately implemented safety procedures in accordance with international standards and the IAEA security framework after the incident.
The emergency meeting was held shortly after the Director General of the IAEA Rafael Mariano Grossi visited the UAE. During the visit, Grossi visited the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant and met with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE.
The UAE said Grossi’s visit was a sign of continued international confidence in the country’s peaceful nuclear program.
Balalaa also expressed his gratitude to Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia for supporting the request for an emergency session. He also welcomed the effort to issue a joint statement to emphasize the importance of protecting peaceful nuclear facilities from hostile acts and military threats.
The UAE stressed that it would not compromise in protecting its sovereignty and security. The country stated that it still had legal, diplomatic, and military rights to respond to threats in accordance with international law.
The Barakah incident adds to international concerns about the security of civilian nuclear facilities, especially amid the increasing use of drones in conflicts and cross-border threats.
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