A drone strike on the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi on May 17 has drawn swift international condemnation, with the United Nations Security Council convening an emergency session to address what the UAE is calling a “red line” violation against civilian nuclear infrastructure.
The attack targeted an electrical generator just outside the inner perimeter of the plant. No casualties were reported, no radiation was released, and power was restored by May 18.
What happened at Barakah
Three drones were involved in the attack. UAE defense forces intercepted two of them before they reached the facility, but one made it through to strike an external electrical generator.
The UAE Defense Ministry indicated the drones originated from Iraqi territory. The strike has been linked to Iran-associated militant groups operating in Iraq, though no group has formally claimed responsibility.
