The United Arab Emirates confirmed that the mysterious drones targeting their nuclear power plant over the past weekend were sent from Iraq, where armed groups backed by Iran operate.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) revealed on Tuesday (18 May 2026) that the drones targeting its nuclear power plant the previous week came from Iraq, a region used as a base by Iran-supported armed groups to launch multiple attacks since the Middle East conflict began.
Last Sunday, a drone—claimed by no group—crashed into a generator near the Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi, causing a fire but resulting in no injuries or reports of radioactive leaks. Two other drones were intercepted.
Barakah is the only nuclear power plant in the Arab world, located near the borders of Saudi Arabia and Qatar. This attack has sparked widespread concern about potential repercussions across the Arabian Gulf region.
“As part of the ongoing investigation into the audacious May 17, 2026 attack on the Barakah nuclear power plant, technical tracing and monitoring have confirmed that all three drones originated from Iraqi territory,” the UAE Ministry of Defense stated.
The Ministry of Defense added that in the past 48 hours, authorities also intercepted six additional drones coming from Iraq that “attempted to target civilian areas and key national sites.”
Previously, Iraqi authorities condemned the Barakah nuclear plant attack before Abu Dhabi announced the drones’ source.
Iran has launched attacks against the UAE and other countries in the Arabian Gulf region since the US and Israel began striking Iran on 28 February, targeting US assets as well as energy infrastructure and civilian sites.
Before a US-Iran ceasefire took effect on 8 April, Tehran-backed armed groups in Iraq intervened to assist Iran, attacking US bases in Iraq and surrounding areas, including countries in the Arabian Gulf.
However, the site of this nuclear power plant had previously been spared from targeting until the incident last Sunday.
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Source:cna