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Drones allegedly struck the vicinity of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant yesterday, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has said, citing the administration of the occupied facility.

Russian officials yesterday claimed three drones struck an area near the plant. 

The UN nuclear watchdog has now said it received reports of several drone strikes in vicinity of the site, injuring workers at Enerhodar electrical sub-station and starting fires in forest area near the plant.

IAEA experts stationed at the plant reported seeing thick smoke rising near the facility and heard explosions after they were told about an alleged drone attack by the representatives of the plant. 

Director-general Rafael Grossi said: “It is extremely concerning that these drone attacks are continuing, despite the very clear dangers they present to people in Enerhodar as well as to safety at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. 

“They must stop, immediately.”

The IAEA also said that before yesterday’s strikes, their team had heard of military activities near the plant on most days over the past week.

What has been happening at the plant?

The nuclear facility has been under Russian control since 4 March 2022, after Russia invaded Ukraine.

Since then there have been major concerns about the safety of the plant – not least of all because heavy weapons, including shells and rockets, have hit the buildings.

Both sides blame each other. 

Since Russian forces occupied the site there have been multiple power outages, which has increased fears of a nuclear disaster.