On May 17, the air defense systems of the United Arab Emirates intercepted three drones that invaded the country's airspace from the western direction. This was reported by the UAE Ministry of Defense on the social network X.
The department noted that two drones were successfully shot down, and the third hit a power generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah nuclear power plant in the Al-Dhafra region.
It is still unknown who exactly launched the drones; the source of the attack will be determined by investigation, the military noted.
“The Ministry of Defense also emphasized that it is fully prepared to respond to any threats and will vigorously oppose any attempts to undermine the security of the country, while protecting the sovereignty, stability and national interests of the UAE,” the statement said.
The Abu Dhabi media office explained that a fire broke out as a result of the incident, but no one was injured, and the level of radiation safety did not change. All power units are operating normally.
“All necessary protective measures have been taken, additional updates will be provided if new information becomes available,” the media office noted.
International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi expressed “grave concern” and called military activities that threaten nuclear security “unacceptable.”
“The Director General reiterates his call for maximum military restraint in the vicinity of any nuclear power plant to avoid the risk of a nuclear accident,” the IAEA said in a statement.
