Leaked US Document: Egypt Secretly Planned to Supply Rockets to Russia
The Facts
Egypt, a key US ally in the Middle East, sought to supply Russia with 40K rockets in addition to artillery shells and gunpowder, according to a leaked US intelligence document acquired by the Washington Post this week.
The "top secret" document, dated Feb. 17, summarizes conversations said to have taken place between Egyptian Pres. Abdel Fatah El-Sisi and senior military officials. Sisi reportedly instructed the production and shipment of the rockets to be kept secret "to avoid problems with the West." Egypt has denied the plans and a US government official said they don't have any information to suggest the plan was carried through.
The Spin
Narrative A
If the reports are accurate, Egypt's plans to supply Russia with rockets are a massive betrayal to the US, which provides the country with upwards of $1B in security aid every year. America will have to rethink its relationship with the Middle Eastern country in the wake of this revelation.
Narrative B
These reports are false. From the beginning of the conflict, Egypt has been committed to non-involvement and maintaining equal distance to both sides. Cairo has done this while affirming the principles of international law and the UN charter in addition to any resolutions passed by the body.
