UAE says drones that targeted Barakah nuclear power plant came from Iraqi territory

The United Arab Emirates confirmed Tuesday that drones targeting the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant on Sunday originated from Iraq, where Iranian-backed groups have carried out multiple attacks since the Middle East war began.

UAE air defenses intercepted six hostile unmanned aerial vehicles over 48 hours. No casualties or damage to vital facilities were reported.

Where did the drones targeting the Barakah nuclear power plant come from?

The UAE Ministry of Defense confirmed that all three drones involved in the May 17 attack on the Barakah nuclear power plant originated from Iraqi territory.

Technical tracking and monitoring verified their origin. The drones intercepted in the hours that followed were also traced back to Iraq.

What happened during the attack on the Barakah nuclear plant?

Three UAVs targeted the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant during the May 17 incident. Air defenses intercepted two of them, but a third struck an electricity generator located outside the plant's inner perimeter.

The ministry said the drones were neutralized "with the highest levels of readiness and efficiency."

How many drones did the UAE intercept in total?

According to the state-run WAM news agency, UAE air defense systems intercepted six hostile drones over a 48-hour period.

The attacks targeted civilian and strategic sites across the country. The ministry confirmed there were no casualties and no damage to vital facilities in any of the incidents.

Does the UAE have a nuclear power plant?

The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant is located in Abu Dhabi and is the Arab world's first operational nuclear power station.

It was built by a South Korean consortium and began commercial operations in 2021. The plant is operated by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation.

What did the UAE say about protecting its sovereignty?

The UAE said it reserved its full right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and national security, in line with international law and conventions.

The armed forces, the ministry added, remain fully prepared to confront any threats targeting the country's security and national assets. No specific retaliatory action was announced.