Explosions reported near Barakah nuclear plant

The United Arab Emirates said on May 17 that a drone struck an electricity generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra region, causing a fire but no injuries. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the incident an “unprovoked terrorist attack” and said radiation safety levels were unaffected. The International Atomic Energy Agency said it had been informed by the UAE that radiation levels remained normal after the strike. Saudi Arabia separately reported intercepting three drones the same day, underscoring a wider regional security alert. ### Where exactly was the damage reported? The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the drone hit an electricity generator “outside the inner perimeter” of the Barakah plant, not the reactor complex itself. The ministry said the drone entered UAE territory from the western border direction and described the strike as a direct threat to the country’s security. The Abu Dhabi authorities’ account, carried by international media, said the impact caused a fire at the site. (mofa.gov.ae) The UAE Defense Ministry said two other drones were “successfully” dealt with, according to reports citing official statements. ### Did the attack affect nuclear safety or release radiation? The International Atomic Energy Agency said the UAE informed it that radiation levels at Barakah remained normal and that no injuries were reported. (mofa.gov.ae) The agency said the fire was caused by a strike on an electrical generator outside the inner site perimeter. (cnbc.com) The UAE ministry said there was no impact on radiation safety levels. Reports citing the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation said the plant remained safe and no radioactive material was released. ### What is known about plant operations after the strike? The IAEA said emergency diesel generators were providing power to Unit 3 after the incident. The agency added that it was following the situation closely and repeated Director General Rafael Grossi’s call for “maximum military restraint” near any nuclear power plant. (arabtimesonline.com) (mofa.gov.ae) FANR said in an April 2026 update that all four units at Barakah were under regular regulatory oversight, with planned refuelling and maintenance schedules in place. The IAEA’s country profile for the UAE says Barakah consists of four APR-1400 reactors, with Unit 4 entering commercial operation in September 2024. ### Why has Barakah drawn such close attention? (arabtimesonline.com) Barakah is the UAE’s first nuclear power station and the first operating nuclear plant in the Arab world, according to the IAEA’s country profile. Its four-reactor site makes it a critical part of the UAE’s electricity system and a high-sensitivity piece of civilian infrastructure. The UAE foreign ministry said targeting peaceful nuclear energy facilities violates international law and relevant IAEA principles. (wam.ae) Grossi separately said military activity that threatens nuclear safety is unacceptable, according to the IAEA statement cited by multiple outlets. ### What has the UAE said about responsibility? The UAE said it was investigating the source of the drones and did not publicly identify a perpetrator in the ministry statement. (cnpp.iaea.org) The ministry said the country reserved its diplomatic and military rights to respond in accordance with international law. CNBC, citing officials, reported that a diplomatic adviser to the UAE president described the incident as a dangerous escalation whether carried out by “the principal perpetrator” or one of its proxies. (mofa.gov.ae) Saudi Arabia said the three drones it intercepted had entered from Iraqi airspace. ### What comes next? The IAEA said it remains in constant contact with UAE authorities and is ready to provide assistance if needed. (mofa.gov.ae) The UAE said its investigation into the source of the drones is continuing. The next official updates are likely to come from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation and the IAEA, the three bodies that have publicly described the strike, the plant’s safety status and the follow-up response. (cnbc.com) (mofa.gov.ae) (arabtimesonline.com)