UAE Intercepts Drones Targeting Barakah Nuclear Power Plant
The United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Defence has announced the interception of multiple drones targeting civilian and military sites over the past 48 hours. The ministry confirmed that a drone attack was launched against the Barakah nuclear power plant two days prior. Of the three drones involved in the attack on the plant, two were successfully intercepted. The third drone struck a non-critical external generator. Investigations indicate the drones originated from Iraqi territory. Some sources have suggested the incident may have been a false-flag operation conducted by Iran.
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Updated: 1:40 PM PKT — May 20, 2026
Pakistan has strongly condemned the recent drone attacks targeting both the UAE and Saudi Arabia. In a statement delivered at the United Nations, Pakistan’s permanent representative expressed full solidarity with the governments and people of the two nations. The representative characterized the attacks as an attempt to undermine regional stability and emphasized diplomacy as the only sustainable path to peace.
Updated: 9:30 AM PKT — May 20, 2026
Iranian state-affiliated media have expanded on their claims, alleging the attacks were perpetrated by Israel. The media outlets stated the intent was to use the UAE as a base against Iran and other countries in the region.
Updated: 7:25 AM PKT — May 20, 2026
In a separate development, some media outlets in Iran have claimed the drone attack was carried out by Israel. This presents an alternative attribution to the incident.
Updated: 5:17 AM PKT — May 20, 2026
The United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Defence has now confirmed a total of six drones were intercepted within the 48-hour period. According to the ministry’s statement, the country’s air defense system successfully destroyed two of the drones involved in the attack on the nuclear plant.
Updated: 4:29 AM PKT — May 20, 2026
The United Arab Emirates has formally stated it reserves the right to respond to the drone attack. Officials in Abu Dhabi characterized the incident as an act of aggression.
Updated: 3:29 AM PKT — May 20, 2026
Officials confirmed no casualties or material damage resulted from the incident. Separately, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) condemned the attack, stressing the extreme danger posed by any assault on a nuclear facility.
