Investigations have linked the recent drone threats to Iraq, while authorities continue to assure the public that national security remains fully under control.
UAE Ministry of Defence announced that over the past 48 hours, the UAE’s air defence systems successfully detected and intercepted six hostile drones targeting civilian and strategic sites across the country.
The air defence forces neutralised the threats with a high level of readiness and efficiency, with no casualties reported and no damage caused to critical infrastructure or vital facilities.
Investigations into the attack on the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant on May 17, 2026, have revealed that all six drones intercepted over the past 48 hours originated from Iraqi territory.
According to tracking and technical monitoring results, the three drones involved in the May 17 incident — two of which were intercepted while the third struck an electricity generator outside the plant’s inner perimeter — as well as the drones intercepted in subsequent operations, were all launched from Iraq.
UAE Ministry of Defence affirmed that the UAE reserves the right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and national security in line with international laws and conventions.
The ministry also emphasised the Armed Forces’ full readiness to confront any threats targeting the country’s security, stability, and vital national assets.
On Tuesday, the UAE urged the UN Security Council to strongly condemn the dangerous escalation, stressing that targeting nuclear facilities designated for peaceful purposes is a clear violation of international law and the UN Charter, and poses a serious threat to regional and global peace and security.
Mohamed Abushahab told the council that the absence of “catastrophic consequences” does not diminish the seriousness of the attack on the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant.
The drone attack on the UAE’s Barakah Nuclear Power Plant has once again brought Iraq’s Iran-backed militias into sharp regional focus.
The militias are part of Tehran’s extensive network of proxy groups, through which Iran projects its influence across the region, fuelling concerns that the conflict could expand beyond its borders.
The recent drone attacks targeting the UAE have drawn renewed attention to the militias operating in Iraq under the umbrella of the Popular Mobilisation Forces.
Saudi Arabia also announced on Sunday that it had intercepted three drones after they entered its territory from Iraqi airspace.
