Drone strike starts fire outside UAE nuclear plant
A drone strike caused a fire in an electrical generator outside the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi on May 17, 2026, according to authorities. There were no injuries and no impact on radiological safety or plant operations. The source of the drone was not identified, but regional tensions persist between Iran and UAE-aligned forces.
- ▪A drone strike triggered a fire in an electrical generator outside the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant's inner perimeter.
- ▪No injuries were reported, and radiological safety levels remained unaffected.
- ▪The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation confirmed the plant's essential systems were unharmed and operating normally.
- ▪The Barakah plant, operational since 2020, supplies up to a quarter of the UAE’s electricity needs.
- ▪The UAE has previously accused Iran of targeting its infrastructure, amid ongoing regional tensions following retaliatory strikes earlier in 2026.
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Drone strike starts fire outside UAE nuclear plantSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPublished May 17, 2026, 08:07 PMUpdated May 17, 2026, 08:07 PMABU DHABI - A drone strike triggered a fire near a nuclear power station in the emirate of Abu Dhabi on May 17, authorities said, reporting no injuries or impact on radiation levels.“Authorities in Abu Dhabi responded to a fire incident that broke out in an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra Region, caused by a drone strike,” the Abu Dhabi Media Office said.“No injuries were reported, and there was no impact on radiological safety levels,” it posted on social media.“All precautionary measures have been taken, and further updates will be provided as they…
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