Abu dhabi: United Arab Emirates air defense systems successfully detected and engaged with six hostile drones that attempted to target civilian and vital areas within the country in the past 48 hours, the UAE announced Tuesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the UAE's Defense Ministry stated on the social media platform X that air defense forces intercepted and neutralized the hostile targets, with no human casualties or impact on critical infrastructure reported. The ministry detailed that in an attack on the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, two of the three drones were successfully intercepted, while the third struck an external power generator outside the plant's inner perimeter. The drones were confirmed to have originated from Iraqi territory.

The UAE maintains the right to take necessary actions to protect its sovereignty and national security, as stated by the ministry. On Sunday, Emirati officials reported a fire near the power plant in Abu Dhabi due to a drone strike.

These developments occur amid escalating regional tensions following US and Israeli strikes against Iran in February, which led to retaliatory actions from Tehran targeting Israel and US allies in the Gulf, including the UAE. A ceasefire was mediated by Pakistan on April 8, but subsequent talks in Islamabad failed to yield a lasting resolution. US President Donald Trump later extended the truce indefinitely.