UAE confirms no radioactive leakage following attack near nuclear power plant

The nuclear regulatory authority of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has stated that there has been no leakage of radioactive material following a drone attack near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, posing no risk to the public or the surrounding environment. The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) announced on Sunday (17/5) that the incident did not affect the safety of the facility or its critical systems. “There has been no release of radioactive material, radiological safety levels remain within normal limits, and there is no risk to the public or the environment,” the authority stated, adding that no injuries were recorded. This statement was released several hours after the Abu Dhabi Media Office reported that authorities had dealt with a fire in an electrical generator located outside the perimeter of the facility in the Al Dhafran region. Regional tensions have escalated since the United States and Israel launched attacks against Iran in late February. Iran subsequently retaliated with attacks targeting Israel and US allies in the Gulf region, including the UAE, accompanied by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. A ceasefire has been in effect since 8 April through Pakistani mediation, although talks in Islamabad failed to produce a long-term agreement. US President Donald Trump subsequently extended the ceasefire indefinitely.