UAE calls drone attack at nuclear site 'dangerous escalation'

ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates condemned a drone attack that caused a fire near its nuclear plant on Sunday, calling it a “dangerous escalation,” AFP reports.

“The UAE emphasised that it will not tolerate any threat to its security and sovereignty under any circumstances,” a foreign ministry statement said.

UAE Condemns Terrorist Targeting of Barakah Plant Perimeter pic.twitter.com/YjnAUU6X4n

— MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) May 17, 2026

Investigations underway to determine source of drone attack near nuclear plant, UAE defence ministry says

The UAE’s defence ministry has said that investigations were underway to determine the source of a drone attack that hit a generator outside the Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi, Reuters reports.

UAE air defences intercept 3 UAVs.

The Ministry of Defence announced that on 17th May 2026, UAE air defence systems intercepted three UAVs that entered the country from the western border direction.

The ministry said that two of the UAVs were successfully intercepted, while the… pic.twitter.com/Ca6JRwc8w8

— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) May 17, 2026

The defence ministry said it dealt “successfully” with two drones, while a third one hit a generator near the plant. It said the drones were launched from the “western border”, without providing further details.

Fire breaks out after drone strike on nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi: authorities

A fire broke out following a drone strike on a nuclear power plant in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, authorities said, reporting no injuries or impact on radiation levels.

“Authorities in Abu Dhabi responded to a fire incident that broke out in an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra Region, caused by a drone strike,” the Abu Dhabi Media Office wrote in a social media post.

Authorities in Abu Dhabi responded to a fire incident that broke out in an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra Region, caused by a drone strike. No injuries were reported, and there was no impact on radiological…

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) May 17, 2026

“No injuries were reported, and there was no impact on radiological safety levels,” it added.

“The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) confirmed that the fire did not affect the safety of the power plant or the readiness of its essential systems, and that all units are operating as normal,” the Abu Dhabi Media Office said.

Qatar condemns ‘reckless’ drone attack on UAE, calls for de-escalation

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the drone attack on the United Arab Emirates, including a strike near the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the Al Dhafra region, Al Jazeera reports.

In a statement, the ministry described the assault as a “flagrant violation of international law” and a “serious threat to regional security and stability”.

It warned that such “reckless attacks” have crossed red lines by targeting critical infrastructure and civilian sites, urging efforts to prevent further escalation.

Qatar also called for de-escalation, stressing the need to avoid the consequences of “unjustified attacks” and to restore stability at both regional and international levels.

The ministry reaffirmed Doha’s full solidarity with the UAE and its support for measures to protect its sovereignty, security and vital facilities.

IAEA expresses 'grave concern' over drone strike near UAE nuclear plant

The UN atomic watchdog, the IAEA, has expressed “grave concern” over a drone strike near a United Arab Emirates nuclear plant that triggered a fire, though it said that radiation levels remained normal, AFP reports.

The IAEA has been informed by the UAE that radiation levels at the Barakah NPP remain normal and no injuries were reported after a drone strike this morning caused a fire in an electrical generator located outside the inner site perimeter of the NPP. Emergency diesel generators… pic.twitter.com/km2rg08Gvd

— IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) May 17, 2026

The International Atomic Energy Agency on X said its head, Rafael Grossi, voiced the concern and added: “Military activity that threatens nuclear safety is unacceptable.”

“The IAEA has been informed by the UAE that radiation levels at the Barakah NPP (nuclear power plant) remain normal and no injuries were reported,” the agency said.