Abu Dhabi: Authorities in the UAE and Saudi Arabia reported separate drone-related incidents on May 17 as regional tensions linked to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict continued despite a ceasefire remaining formally in place.
In the UAE, officials confirmed that a drone strike caused a fire at an external electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra Region. Emergency response teams were immediately deployed to contain the fire and secure the surrounding area.
Officials stated that no injuries were reported and that there was no impact on radiological safety levels at the nuclear facility. Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) later confirmed that all systems at the plant remained operational and that no radioactive material had been released.
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. No injuries were reported, and there was no impact on radiological…
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The UAE Ministry of Defence also announced that two additional drones had been successfully intercepted and dealt with. Authorities said the drones were launched from the ‘western border’ but did not provide further operational details regarding their origin. Emirati officials stressed that investigations are ongoing and affirmed the country’s right to respond to attacks targeting national infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia reported intercepting three drones that allegedly entered the kingdom through Iraqi airspace. Saudi authorities said the country would take all necessary operational measures to protect its sovereignty and national security against any future violations.
The incidents come as tensions across the region remain elevated despite a ceasefire announced earlier in the conflict between Iran and Israel. Regional security concerns have persisted in recent weeks, with several Gulf countries reporting drone-related threats and increased military monitoring. Officials in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia urged the public to rely only on verified information from official sources while investigations and security assessments continue.
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