UAE Says Drone Strike Caused Fire Outside Barakah Nuclear Plant
The UAE said the fire caused no injuries or radiological release, and the nuclear regulator said all units are operating normally.
- On Sunday, May 17, 2026, a drone strike hit an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi, causing a fire. Authorities confirmed no injuries occurred and essential systems remained operational.
- The UAE has faced repeated drone and missile attacks targeting civilian and energy infrastructure since the February 28, 2026 war between the United States and Iran began. This strike reflects heightened regional tensions amid the ongoing conflict.
- IAEA Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi expressed "grave concern," stating "military activity that threatens nuclear safety is unacceptable." One reactor briefly relied on emergency diesel generators, though radiological safety levels remained normal.
- Investigating the source of the attack, Emirati authorities said no group claimed responsibility and the UAE did not publicly blame any party. The United Arab Emirates Foreign Ministry emphasized it "will not tolerate any threat to its security and sovereignty."
- The incident underscores how fragile the U.S.-Iran ceasefire remains as diplomatic efforts stall. Observers fear renewed conflict could reignite, destabilizing the region and critical energy routes through the Strait of Hormuz.
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455 Articles
Drone Attack Near UAE’s Barakah Nuclear Plant Sparks Fire; No Radiation Leak Reported
According to reports on May 18 by NPR and the Associated Press, a drone attack near the Barakah nuclear power plant—the United Arab Emirates’ only nuclear facility—triggered a fire. The UAE government classified the incident as an “unprovoked terrorist attack.” Although no group has claimed responsibility, the incident has renewed concerns that the Middle East […]
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Trump warns Iran 'clock is ticking' after drone strike near UAE nuclear plant
Authorities said they were investigating who launched the drones.
In recent hours the United Arab Emirates has received almost unanimous support from its regional allies following the drone attack that has caused a fire in a generator that fed the Baraká nuclear power plant in the Al Dafra region (west).The financial markets have also reacted with concern to the offensive, still unknown authorship and that joins the closure of the Strait of Ormuz, which has left out almost a fifth of the oil and liquefied natu…
Attack near Barakah power station. Talk between Donald and Netanyahu, "intense preparations" for new raids
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