The United Arab Emirates’ nuclear power plant caught fire on Sunday (May 17) after being attacked by drones. Countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar have condemned the attack, with no party claiming responsibility for the incident yet. The UAE has stated that an investigation into the event is currently underway.
The UAE Ministry of Defense has stated that three drones entered the UAE airspace from the “western border direction”. While two of them were intercepted, the third drone hit a generator at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the capital Abu Dhabi, sparking a fire. The Defense Ministry has not disclosed further details about the attack.
The UAE has clarified that the attack did not result in any leak of radioactive materials or casualties. Authorities are investigating the source of the drone attack and have declared this attack as an “unacceptable act of aggression”. The UAE asserts its right to respond to such “terrorist attacks”.
Though Iran has not claimed responsibility for the attack, there are suspicions pointing to its involvement. The UAE has been among the Gulf countries most severely affected by Iranian drone and missile attacks since the outbreak of the Iran war. Previously, the UAE has accused Iran of targeting its energy assets.
Anwar Gargash, advisor to the UAE President, stated on the social media platform X that the attack on the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant was a “terrorist attack” escalating a dangerous situation, and in violation of international law. Gargash expressed that whether the attack was directly launched or carried out through proxy militias, it reflects a serious disregard for the lives of civilians in the UAE and its neighboring regions.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement expressing “strongest condemnation for the drone attack on the UAE” and affirmed support for all measures taken by the UAE to uphold its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.
Qatar views the attack as a “blatant violation” of international law, posing a serious threat to regional security and stability. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a release that the attack “crossed all red lines” by targeting crucial facilities and civilian infrastructure. Qatar also expressed full solidarity with the UAE.
Jordan also expressed full solidarity with the UAE. The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the drone attack on the nuclear power plant poses a threat to the security, stability, and territorial integrity of the UAE.