The UAE Ministry of Defence has confirmed that six hostile drones were intercepted in 48 hours, with the Barakah nuclear plant attack drones traced to Iraqi territory.
The UAE Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the country’s air defense systems detected and engaged six hostile unmanned aerial vehicles over the past 48 hours, all of which attempted to target civilian and vital areas. In a statement carried by state news agency WAM on Tuesday, the ministry said air defense forces intercepted and neutralized the targets with no human casualties and no impact on the safety of vital facilities.
The ministry also released the findings of its investigation into the attack on the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant on May 17, 2026. Technical tracking and monitoring confirmed that the drones used in that incident, along with those intercepted in subsequent operations, had all originated from Iraqi territory.
According to the Ministry of Defence, three drones were involved in the May 17 incident. Two were successfully intercepted. The third struck an electricity generator located outside the plant’s internal perimeter. The technical tracking and monitoring results confirmed that the three drones, along with those intercepted in subsequent operations, had all originated from Iraqi territory.
The ministry affirmed that the United Arab Emirates reserves its full right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and national security in accordance with international laws and conventions. It said the Armed Forces remain in a state of full readiness to confront any threats targeting the country’s security and national assets.
UAE Foreign Ministry and Nuclear Regulator Statements
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier condemned the May 17 attack on Barakah in the strongest terms. In a statement issued on Sunday, the ministry described it as an unprovoked terrorist attack. It said the UAE will not tolerate any threat to its security and sovereignty under any circumstances.
The ministry added that the country reserves its full sovereign, legitimate, diplomatic, and military rights to respond to any threats, allegations, or hostilities, in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, national security, territorial integrity, and the safety of its citizens, residents, and visitors, in accordance with international law.
The UAE Nuclear Regulator confirmed on Sunday that operations at the Barakah facility had not been affected by the strike. In a social media post, the regulator said all units were operating as normal.
The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is located in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi. It produces around a quarter of the UAE’s electricity needs.
The Ministry of Defence concluded its Tuesday statement by reaffirming the full readiness of the Armed Forces to defend the country’s security and national interests.
