Drone Attack on UAE’s Barakah Nuclear Power Plant

The Ministry of Defense in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) confirmed on Sunday that a drone attack targeted the Barakah nuclear power plant, resulting in a fire. Fortunately, power generation remained unaffected.

A statement from the UAE government refrained from blaming any specific group, emphasizing that an investigation is underway. However, it labeled the incident a “terrorist” act and condemned its apparent aim at the only operational nuclear facility in the Arab world.

This incident follows a series of drone and missile assaults on the UAE by Iran, a nation often cited as a leading state sponsor of terrorism. Tensions have escalated in conjunction with its conflict with the United States and Israel. In response to the U.S. military operation dubbed Operation Epic Fury, which initiated in February, Iran began targeting neighboring states, particularly the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain. The Iranian government has focused on disrupting the UAE’s energy industry, aiming to damage crucial oil and gas infrastructure and obstructing commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for UAE oil exports. Leaders in Iran, who have managed to withstand the fallout from Operation Epic Fury, have called for those countries they attacked to pay “reparations” for allegedly backing U.S. military endeavors.

The government of Abu Dhabi reported that a “fire incident caused by a drone attack…” impacted the power plant. Fortunately, the damage appeared limited to external generators, with no harm to the core of the nuclear setup.

The Federal Agency for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) confirmed that the fire did not compromise the power plant’s safety or disrupt essential systems, noting that all equipment continues to function normally. They urged the public to disregard “rumors and unconfirmed information.”

While the perpetrators were not specified, the Ministry of Defense reported intercepting two drones from the western border’s direction, with a third drone striking a generator outside the nuclear facility.

According to the ministry, an investigation is ongoing to ascertain the attack’s origin, and they promised to release further details later. They also stated that they are fully equipped to handle any potential threats, emphasizing their resolve to protect the country’s security and interests.

No group has officially taken responsibility for the drone attack, although some speculate Iran might be involved, given its history of assaults on UAE energy targets. Reports from anonymous “informed sources” suggest Iran may have orchestrated the attack. UAE officials are reportedly looking into whether Iranian forces or any of their proxy groups executed it. Besides Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), Yemen’s Houthi group—known as Ansar Allah—emerges as a suspect, having recently rejuvenated their missile capacity with Iranian backing.

The UAE’s official stance has been cautious, avoiding direct attribution. Yet Anwar Gargash, a senior advisor to President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, hinted at suspicions regarding Iran in posts following the attack.

He remarked that this escalation underscores the regional challenges posed by “forces of evil, chaos, and destruction,” asserting that no one will undermine the UAE’s resolve. He affirmed their intention to respond to attacks, whether directly executed or conducted through proxies.

Following the incident, the UAE received swift support and denunciation from high-ranking UN officials and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The IAEA stated it is closely observing developments, maintaining contact with UAE authorities and standing by to assist if needed. Director-General Rafael Grossi expressed serious concern over the attack, affirming that military actions threatening nuclear safety are intolerable.

Secretary-General António Guterres also voiced his alarm about the situation, stressing the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Middle East. He noted that attacks on civilian infrastructures, especially nuclear facilities, are unacceptable and violate international law.