UN Security Council condemns ‘egregious’ attack on UAE nuclear plant

WASHINGTON – The United Nations Security Council on Tuesday condemned the attack on Barakah Nuclear Plant in the United Arab Emirates, according to a statement, adding that the attack constituted a violation of international law.

"The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the egregious drone attack on an electricity generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra region in the United Arab Emirates," the Council said in a press statement.

The Council underscored that the attack "constitutes a flagrant violation of international law with grave risks for civilian lives, infrastructure and the environment" and demanded the immediate and permanent cessation of all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure in the UAE, including peaceful nuclear facilities.

Council members also took note of a statement by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi, who expressed grave concern over the incident, stressing that "military activity that threatens nuclear safety is unacceptable."

"The members of the Security Council called on States to adhere to the highest standards of nuclear safety, security and safeguards and to refrain from any action that may endanger nuclear safety and security," the statement added.

The Council reaffirmed that the Barakah plant was designed, constructed and operated in accordance with the highest international standards under the UAE's Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation and IAEA oversight while reiterating strong support for the UAE's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The council did not attribute blame for the attack.

The UAE said last week that six drones had been launched against it from Iraq, including one that caused a fire at the nuclear power plant in the Gulf state. Iraq is home to powerful Iranian-backed militia groups which have claimed attacks against “enemy bases in Iraq and the region” during the US-Israeli war on Iran.