Statement on drone attack near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant
Issued Monday 18 May 2026
World Nuclear Association condemns the drone attack near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates.
A drone strike affected an electrical power system located outside the inner site perimeter of Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates on the morning of Sunday 17 May. Our colleagues at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have confirmed that everyone is safe at the plant, that the plant has not suffered direct damage, and that emergency procedures have been effectively activated and the plant is operating safely.
We fully support and appreciate the efforts of our colleagues working in and around the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in responding to this incident, and their continued dedication to carrying out their duties under challenging circumstances.
We call on those responsible for military activity of any kind in the proximity of this nuclear power plant, and all civilian energy facilities, to revisit the agreements of the Geneva conventions. Attacks on energy infrastructure are reckless and unacceptable; it is vital that protections afforded to civilian infrastructure — especially nuclear power plants — are reaffirmed and respected.
We appreciate the role of the IAEA in reporting on such incidents and in reminding all parties of their obligations under international law.
We will continue to monitor the situation and work closely with the IAEA and the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) to promote restraint and the protection of vital nuclear energy infrastructure during this period. As the international organisation representing the global nuclear industry, World Nuclear Association is ready to offer our support as needed.
