UAE intercepts 6 drones in past 48 hours, defence ministry says

Published May 19, 2026 Updated May 19, 2026 07:54pm

The United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Defence says that during the past 48 hours, Emirati air defence systems successfully detected and engaged six drones that “attempted to target civilian and vital areas in the country”, according to a statement.

The drones have been neutralised without any human casualties or impact on the safety of vital facilities, the ministry adds.

“In the context of completing the investigations related to the brazen attack on the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant on May 17, 2026, the results of technical tracking and monitoring confirmed that the three drones, two of which were successfully engaged, while the third struck an electrical generator outside the internal perimeter of the plant on that date, in addition to the drones intercepted later, were all originating from Iraqi territory,” the statement reads.

The ministry affirms that the UAE “reserves its full right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and national security, in accordance with international laws and covenants”.

Opinion

Editorial

Water win
19 May, 2026

Water win

Besides being a technical and legal win, the ruling validates Pakistan’s argument about the existential stakes involved for it.
Free ride
19 May, 2026

Free ride

THE federal and provincial governments have extended what appear to be major concessions to the retail sector ahead...
Ceasefire in name
19 May, 2026

Ceasefire in name

THE ink on the latest ceasefire extension between Israel and Lebanon was barely dry when Israeli warplanes were back...
The Afghan problem
Updated 18 May, 2026

The Afghan problem

It is to its own peril that the Afghan side seems to be mistaking Islamabad’s restraint for lack of resolve.
Unwillingness to tax
18 May, 2026

Unwillingness to tax

THE latest IMF staff report reveals the scale of Pakistan’s fiscal dilemma. The approval of fresh disbursements...
Unkind cyberspace
18 May, 2026

Unkind cyberspace

WHEN abuse occurs face to face, the boundaries are clear. Yet, the same behaviour online is treated less seriously....