Drone Strike On Barakah Nuclear Plant Raises Grave Concerns

22 May 2026 Issue: 69 / 21 By: Jamie Ingram

A drone strike on the UAE’s Barakah nuclear power plant caused only minor damage and there was no impact on radiation levels, but it was a worrying development that has been widely condemned. With gas output limited, Barakah’s importance to the UAE is greater than ever.

A drone strike caused a small fire at Abu Dhabi’s Barakah nuclear power plant on 17 May, highlighting the risks posed by any further conflict escalation. The fire only caused limited damage and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said radiation levels at the plant remained normal. However, the attack has raised serious concerns across the region.

In a 19 May statement, the UAE’s Ministry of Defense said that it had engaged six drones over the previous 48 hours, including the one that struck Barakah. It alleged that all six were launched from Iraqi territory, rather than from Iran. Iran-backed militia groups play a prominent role in Iraqi politics and have launched a number of attacks against GCC states during the conflict (MEES, 22 May). (CONTINUED - 785 WORDS)