Reuters reported on Sunday, May 17, that authorities in the United Arab Emirates confirmed a limited fire broke out at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi following a drone attack. The incident comes as tensions remain high amid stalled efforts to end the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, as well as restore shipping activity in the Persian Gulf.
Officials in Abu Dhabi said the strike hit a power generator located outside the plant’s internal perimeter, sparking a fire. According to the Abu Dhabi Media Office, the plant’s operations and safety systems were not affected, and no casualties were reported.
So far, UAE authorities have not blamed any country or group for the attack, and no organization has claimed responsibility. In the past, the UAE has accused Iran of targeting its energy infrastructure, calling it part of a broader regional escalation.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said it is closely monitoring developments related to the Barakah facility.
Reuters reported that since the war began on February 28, followed by U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, Tehran has repeatedly launched attacks targeting the UAE and other Gulf countries that host American military bases. Several of these attacks have also hit civilian and energy infrastructure.
