Abu Dhabi: The UAE has condemned it the strongest terms the drone attack and warned of retaliation, calling the drone strike at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra region a violation of its sovereignty and international law. It described the attack as a “dangerous escalation”, an “unacceptable act of aggression” and a direct threat to the country’s security.
The statement issued Monday read- “will not tolerate any threat to its security and sovereignty under any circumstances and reserved its full, sovereign, legitimate, diplomatic, and military rights” to respond to any threat or hostile act in accordance with international law.
It further noted that international agreements and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) resolutions underline the need to protect peaceful nuclear facilities from military threats or hostile acts.
In a separate statement, it also condemned attacks targeting Saudi Arabia. According to Emirati authorities, drones launched from Iraqi airspace entered Saudi territory before being intercepted and destroyed by Saudi air defences.
Meanwhile, India also issued a strong objection on the attack targeting the Barakah nuclear facility in the UAE, calling it “unacceptable” and warning that it could sharply worsen tensions in the region. The Ministry of External Affairs said New Delhi was “deeply concerned” and urged all sides to return to “dialogue and diplomacy.”
“India is deeply concerned at the attack targeting the Barakah nuclear facility in the UAE. Such actions are unacceptable and represent a dangerous escalation. We urgently call for restraint and a return to dialogue and diplomacy,” MEA said
So far there have been confirmed reports on the drone strike on Sunday that caused fire near the UAE Barakah nuclear power plant. No groups claimed responsibility though suspicion quickly turned to Iran amidst latest warnings by the former to UAE. Tehran has accused the UAE of helping Israel by hosting Iron Dome missile defenses and troops during the conflict.
Authorities in Abu Dhabi said an electrical generator on the plant’s perimeter caught fire, but there were no radiation leak and no injuries reported. The UAE’s nuclear regulator said the situation was under control. “All units are operating as normal,” it said on X.
The Barakah plant, built with South Korean assistance, became operational in 2020. It is the first commercial nuclear power plant in the Arab world and supplies roughly a quarter of the UAE’s electricity needs.
Elsewhere, Saudi Arabia in a separate announcement Sunday claimed to have intercepted three drones that has entered its airspace from Iraq. Saudi authorities warned they would take “necessary operational measures” against any attempt to violate the kingdom’s sovereignty and security.
Join our whatsapp group for Latest updates
Click Here for Chhattisgarh News
Click Here for Entertainment News