Tel Aviv: The UAE is expected to enhance it air defence systems as Iran steps up its attacks. On May 17, an Iranian armed drone hit the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant near Abu Dhabi, UAE, but it did not breach the main reactor buildings or cause a radiation leak.
The drone struck an external electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah plant in the Al Dhafra region, sparking a fire.
UAE authorities and the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation say there were no injuries, no radiological release, and all reactors continued operating normally.
Israeli sources said that Iran had launched the drone. This is the first time the Barakah facility has been targeted in the ongoing friction around Iran’s regional posture and the fragile ceasefire.
The attack raises concerns about critical infrastructure vulnerability, especially nuclear and energy sites, but so far has not disrupted power generation or safety systems at Barakah.
During the recent war with Iran, Israel deployed an Iron Dome battery in the UAE to help in the protection from Iranian missiles and drones.
This first-of-its-kind deployment was made following a UAE request after the first Iranian weapon systems hit the kingdom.
Iran has targeted the UAE extensively, launching around 550 ballistic and cruise missiles plus over 2,200 drones since the war began.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
