Drone that hit UAE nuclear plant was launched from Iraq: ministry

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Drone that hit UAE nuclear plant was launched from Iraq: ministry

May 19, 2026

DUBAI,— The United Arab Emirates announced Tuesday that six drones had been launched at the country from Iraq over the previous 48 hours, including one that started a fire at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant on Sunday.

The UAE defense ministry said in a statement that air defenses intercepted five of the drones.

It said three of the drones had targeted the Barakah facility, identified as the Arab world’s first commercial nuclear power station.

Officials said the only drone to pass through UAE defenses struck an electric generator situated outside the plant’s inner security perimeter.

After the strike, the UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation said the nuclear plant remained secure and that no radioactive material was released as a result of the attack.

Emirati officials said the country reserved the full right to respond to what they described as “terrorist attacks.”

Iraq is home to powerful Iranian-backed Shiite militia groups that have claimed attacks against “enemy bases in Iraq and the region” during the war.

Although hostilities tied to the Iran conflict have largely been reduced since a ceasefire took hold in April, drones have continued to be launched from Iraq toward Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Saudi Arabia said Sunday it intercepted three drones coming from Iraqi airspace and would take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and security, the kingdom told media.

Iraq said its air defenses had not detected any drones being launched from its airspace.

(With files from Reuters)