UAE denounces attack targeting Barakah nuclear plant

The UAE has strongly condemned the unprovoked drone attack targeting Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Al Dhafra region, stressing it reserves its right to respond to any threats to its national security and safety of its people.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) affirmed the attack constitutes a dangerous escalation, an unacceptable act of aggression, and a direct threat to the country’s security.

Of the three drones that entered the country’s territory from the western border, one hit an electricity generator outside the inner perimeter of the nuclear plant. 

There were no injuries and no impact on radiation safety levels.

The Ministry stressed the targeting of nuclear energy facilities is a flagrant violation of international law, the UN charter, given the grave risks such acts pose to civilians, the environment, as well as regional and international security.

It further emphasised that the resolutions of the International Atomic Energy Agency underscores the necessity of protecting nuclear facilities and safeguarding their safety and security from any hostile acts or military threats.

The ministry stressed the need to immediately halt the unprovoked attacks and ensure full compliance with the cessation of all hostilities.

الإمارات تدين الاستهداف الإرهابي للمنطقة المحيطة بمحطة براكة pic.twitter.com/m1OlKVbpXN

— MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) May 17, 2026

Meanwhile, Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic advisor to the UAE President, condemned the attack in a socal media post.

He wrote, "The terrorist targeting of the Barakah clean nuclear power plant, whether carried out by the principal perpetrator or through one of its agents, represents a dangerous escalation and a dark scene that violates all international laws and norms, in criminal disregard for the lives of civilians in the UAE and its surroundings.

"This prohibited escalation serves to reaffirm the nature of the challenges facing the region in confronting the forces of evil, chaos, and sabotage. No one will twist the UAE's arm, nor will they succeed in undermining its vision, its success, and its inspiring message to the peoples of the region in security, stability, development, and prosperity."

الاستهداف الإرهابي لمحطة براكة للطاقة النووية النظيفة، سواء جاء من الموكّل الأصيل أو عبر أحد وكلائه، يمثل تصعيدًا خطيرًا ومشهدًا مظلمًا يخرق كافة القوانين والأعراف الدولية، في استهتار إجرامي بأرواح المدنيين في الإمارات ومحيطها. ويأتي هذا التصعيد المحظور ليؤكد مجددًا طبيعة…

— د. أنور قرقاش (@AnwarGargash) May 17, 2026