The key facts
- IAEA: the UAE and the Barakah nuclear plant responded adequately to the loss of external power supply after the May 17 drone strike
- A mission of six experts worked in the UAE from October 12 to 20 at the government's request
- The attack was condemned by dozens of countries and the EU; the drone was launched from Iraqi territory
IAEA mission findings
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) concluded on Tuesday, October 20, that the national authorities and the Barakah nuclear power plant adequately responded to the loss of external power supply caused by a drone strike on May 17. This conclusion was reached by a mission of six agency specialists that worked in the UAE from October 12 to 20 at the government's request.
Circumstances of the incident
According to The National, a drone launched from Iraqi territory struck a generator outside the plant's internal perimeter, causing a fire that was brought under control. The attack was condemned in a joint statement by dozens of countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, the UK, the US, France and Pakistan, as well as by the EU. The UN Security Council also condemned the strike on the plant.
What the experts assessed
IAEA specialists visited the damaged areas of the plant and key emergency response facilities, reviewed operational and emergency procedures, and met with the leadership and technical staff of the Barakah nuclear power plant and the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), the UAE's independent nuclear regulator. The mission focused on the plant's actions, the national emergency preparedness system, lessons learned and the operator's safety measures.
Assessments and statements
The IAEA noted that effective measures had been taken to maintain safety, including prompt notification at the national and international levels, the application of established emergency response procedures and communication with the public. 'By requesting this mission, FANR and the Barakah nuclear power plant demonstrated their commitment to safety and continuous improvement,' said Amgad Shokr, Director of the IAEA's Incident and Emergency Centre and head of the mission. The plant was urged to continue implementing the organizational and technical measures identified through the analysis of lessons from the incident. 'The UAE has established a robust and comprehensive nuclear emergency preparedness system that meets the highest international standards and was developed in close cooperation with the IAEA,' said FANR Director General Hamad Al Kaabi, adding that the UAE shares the international community's position on the importance of protecting nuclear facilities at all times.
