IAEA Reports Blasts and Smoke Near Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Amid Ongoing Conflict

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IAEA Reports Blasts and Smoke Near Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Amid Ongoing Conflict

4 months ago

News sources:

TRTGLOBAL

INDIATIMES

DAWN

IAEA Reports Blasts and Smoke Near Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Amid Ongoing Conflict

Credited from: TRTGLOBAL

IAEA team reports explosions and smoke near Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
The nuclear facility's auxiliary site was struck by shelling and drone attacks.
IAEA urges military restraint to avoid risks to nuclear safety.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported hearing explosions and observing smoke near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) following an attack on one of its auxiliary facilities. According to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, the incidents, which occurred around 9 am local time, were associated with shelling and drone strikes targeting the facility approximately 1,200 meters from the plant’s perimeter. Smoke was still visible hours later, highlighting the ongoing military risks in the region, as described by multiple sources including TRT World, India Times, and Dawn.

In a statement, Grossi emphasized the danger of military operations near nuclear facilities, stating, “Any attack in the vicinity of a nuclear power plant – regardless of the intended target – poses potential risks also for nuclear safety and must be avoided.” This incident serves as a reminder of the persistent threats to nuclear security amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. ZNPP officials also indicated that a fire resulted from the shelling, though it was brought under control, as noted by TRT World and Dawn.