Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Barakah drone attack came from Iraqi territory, the UAE said, after six drones targeted the country over 48 hours without causing injuries or damage to key facilities.
The UAE Ministry of Defence said air defence forces detected and neutralised hostile drones with high readiness. It said the country reserved the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty.
A May 17 strike caused a fire at an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region. Officials said the incident caused no injuries and no radiation leak.
The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation said the fire did not affect plant safety or essential systems. It also said all units continued operating normally.
The UAE said technical tracking showed the drones involved in the Barakah incident and later intercepted drones all originated from Iraq. Iraq’s government condemned the attacks but did not directly address the UAE’s claim.
Saudi Arabia also reported intercepting and destroying three drones that entered its airspace from Iraq on the same day. The UAE condemned those attacks and voiced solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres led international condemnation. Dr Sultan Al Jaber called the strike a “terrorist attack” on a peaceful energy project.
Canada, India and the United States also condemned the attack, while Pakistan said deliberate targeting of nuclear facilities violates international law and pledged solidarity with the UAE.
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The Barakah drone attack has renewed concern over nuclear safety during regional conflict. The International Atomic Energy Agency expressed grave concern about threats to nuclear facilities after the strike.
