ABU DHABI/VIENNA - United Arab Emirates (UAE) Abu Dhabi media office said Sunday that a drone strike caused a fire near the Barakah nuclear power plant in the Al Dhafra region, with no injuries or impact on radiological safety levels reported.

According to the authorities, the fire broke out in an electrical generator outside the plant's inner perimeter. All precautionary measures have been taken, with further updates to follow.

The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation confirmed that the fire did not affect the safety of the power plant or the readiness of its essential systems.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defense said its air defense systems intercepted three drones that entered UAE airspace from the western border area.

The ministry said two of the drones were successfully intercepted, while the third struck an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah nuclear power plant in the Al Dhafra region.

An investigation is underway to determine the source of the attack, the ministry said.

Barakah is central to the UAE's clean energy goals. The plant began full commercial operations in September 2024 and generates approximately 40 terawatt-hours of clean electricity annually, supplying about 25 percent of the country's electricity needs, according to local media reports.

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In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the incident as an "unprovoked terrorist attack".

Describing the attack as "a dangerous escalation" that threatens the country's security, the ministry added that targeting peaceful nuclear facilities violates international law and poses risks to civilians and the environment.

The UAE said it reserved the right to respond to any threats against its sovereignty and national security in accordance with international law.

'Maximum military restraint'

Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi expressed "grave concern" over the Sunday drone strike, calling for maximum restraint to avoid a nuclear accident.

Grossi said military activity that threatens nuclear safety is unacceptable. He called for maximum military restraint near any nuclear power plant to avoid the danger of a nuclear accident.

Radiation levels at the power plant remain normal and there were no injuries reported, the IAEA said on social platform X citing information from the UAE.