Egyptian official denies leaked intelligence suggesting Egypt's military was producing weapons for Russia
From CNN’s Mostafa Salem and Anna Chernova
A senior Egyptian official denied that Egypt’s military was planning to produce 40,000 rockets for Russia, following
a report from The Washington Post citing a leaked US intelligence document, Egyptian state-affiliated media said.
A leaked US intelligence document obtained by The Washington Post said Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi instructed officials to keep production and shipment secret "to avoid problems with the West."
The "top secret" document from February contains purported conversations between Sisi and senior Egyptian military officials, according to the newspaper. It referenced plans to supply Russia with artillery and gunpowder, with Sisi asking officials to keep the plans a secret, The Washington Post reported.
CNN has not seen the document cited by the Washington Post and is not able to confirm its authenticity.
The unnamed Egyptian official called the report "informational absurdity" and said that Egypt follows a "balanced policy" with all international parties, according to Al Qahera News, a state-affiliated media outlet. The statement was also carried by several other Egyptian state-affiliated news outlets.
Egypt is one of the world’s top recipients of US military aid, receiving $1.3 billion in military financing annually.
What Russia says: Russia’s Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov called the information a "hoax."
"It looks like another hoax, of which there are plenty now. This is how you should treat such publications," Peskov said in response to a question from a journalist on the report.
CNN has reached out to the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comment.
Remember: Highly classified Pentagon documents leaked online in recent weeks have provided a rare window into how the US spies on allies and foes alike, deeply rattling US officials, who fear the revelations could jeopardize sensitive sources and compromise important foreign relationships.
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Supa-pawa wa kuchora amegeukia Misri kununua silaha....