A drone strike sparked a fire outside the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, according to UAE authorities. It was the first time the nation’s only nuclear plant was targeted. No one as yet has taken responsibility for the strike.
There were no reports of injuries and or impact on radiological safety levels, the Associated Press reported.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said the UAE reported the incident, which caused a fire in an electrical generator.
Rafael Grossi, IAEA’s director, said “military activity that threatens nuclear safety is unacceptable.”
The IAEA has been informed by the UAE that radiation levels at the Barakah NPP remain normal and no injuries were reported after a drone strike this morning caused a fire in an electrical generator located outside the inner site perimeter of the NPP. Emergency diesel generators… pic.twitter.com/km2rg08Gvd
— IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) May 17, 2026