UAE intercepts six hostile drones, says attacks originated from Iraq

Middle East

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (NPA) — The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence has announced that the country’s air defence systems successfully intercepted and neutralised six hostile drones over the past 48 hours.

According to the ministry, the drones attempted to target civilian and strategic facilities across the country but were detected and engaged with what officials described as the highest levels of readiness and operational efficiency.

The ministry stated that the air defence operation was carried out successfully without any human casualties or damage to critical infrastructure.

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In a related development, the Ministry of Defence disclosed the origin of the drones involved in the May 17, 2026, attack on the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant.

According to the ministry, investigations and technical monitoring confirmed that the three drones involved in the earlier attack, alongside those intercepted in subsequent operations, originated from Iraqi territory.

Officials said two of the drones used in the May 17 attack were intercepted, while a third struck an electrical generator located outside the internal perimeter of the nuclear facility.

The ministry described the incident as a “brazen attack” and warned that the United Arab Emirates reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and national security in accordance with international law.

“The Ministry of Defence affirms that the United Arab Emirates reserves its full right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and national security, in accordance with international laws and covenants,” the statement read.

The UAE further stressed that its armed forces remain fully prepared to confront any threat targeting the country’s security, strategic facilities and national capabilities.