ABU DHABI, May 19 (Xinhua) -- The defense ministry of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) said Tuesday that its air defense systems have detected six drones from Iraq over the past 48 hours.
It said in a statement that the drones, which attempted to target civilian and vital areas in the country, were neutralized "without any human casualties or impact on the safety of vital facilities."
It said the drones originating from Iraqi territory included those targeting the Barakah nuclear power plant in the Al Dhafra region on Sunday.
The UAE "reserves its full right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and national security in accordance with international laws and conventions," it said.
It added that the UAE's armed forces remain fully prepared to confront any threats targeting the country's security and national assets.
On Sunday, the ministry said its air defense systems detected three drones that entered the UAE's airspace from the western border area, two of which were successfully intercepted, while the third struck an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah nuclear power plant and caused a fire, with no injuries or impact on radiological safety levels reported. ■
