A drone strike hit an external electrical generator near the Barakah nuclear power plant in the UAE's Al Dhafra region, sparking a fire that authorities say did not damage the reactors or compromise radiological safety. No injuries were reported, and all units continue operating normally.
The Barakah nuclear power plant supplies roughly 25% of the UAE's total electricity, making it a cornerstone of the country's energy strategy and one of the most significant pieces of civilian nuclear infrastructure in the Middle East.
Analysts point to a heightened risk environment driven by ongoing regional conflicts and a fragile ceasefire situation. The UAE's nuclear program operates under the US-UAE 123 Agreement, which prohibits domestic uranium enrichment.
Built at a cost of approximately $20 billion, Barakah has been operational since 2021. A facility generating a quarter of a nation's electricity is systemically important.