Islamic State Claims Attack In The Sinai That Killed 11 Egyptian Troops

 

Reuters: Attack on Sinai checkpoint kills 11 Egyptian troops- army 

CAIRO (Reuters) -One officer and 10 Egyptian soldiers were killed on Saturday in Egypt's Sinai peninsula when militants attacked a checkpoint at a water pumping station, an army spokesman and security sources said. 

It was one of the deadliest attacks in recent years in northern Sinai, where Egypt's security forces have been battling Islamist militants with links to Islamic State. 

The attack occurred on Saturday morning on the road leading east from the Suez Canal to Hasanah in the centre of Northern Sinai, two security sources said. 

Militants attacked with an explosive-rigged vehicle and fired heavy weapons installed on pick-up trucks, before military reinforcements fought them off and gave chase, the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity.  

Read more .... 

Islamic State Claims Attack In The Sinai That Killed 11 Egyptian Troops  

Egyptian Armed Forces foils terrorist attack in Sinai, an officer and 10 soldiers killed -- Ahram Online  

Islamic State claims attack that killed 11 Egyptian troops -- AP  

Egypt says several troops killed defending water pumping station east of Suez Canal -- France 24 

Islamic State Claims Attack That Killed 11 Egyptian Troops -- Bloomberg  

11 Egyptian troops killed in militant attack near Suez Canal -- NYPost

With No Prospect Of Getting Wheat From Ukraine Or Russia, Egypt Threatens Its Wheat Farmers To Sell A Portion Of Their Crops To The Government Or Face Prison

Men work in a Cairo bakery on 17 March 2022. Soaring bread prices caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine have hit consumers in Egypt (AFP)  

Middle East Eye: Feeding the 72 million: Egypt's grand wheat plan splits the industry 

Farmers who don’t deliver wheat quota threatened with jail as price spike jeopardises Egypt's 270 million daily loaves 

In the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war, Egypt's decision to force local wheat producers to sell a slice of their output to the government has split the industry, with some farmers set to gain and others facing job losses. 

On Wednesday, authorities introduced measures they hope will incentivise Egyptian growers to sell more wheat: raising prices, setting quotas, and threatening farmers with prison if they do not deliver. 

Politicians say these unprecedented measures are necessary if Egypt wants to keep bread on the table.  

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: Forcing farmers to hand over their crops to the government or face prison. Here is an easy prediction. This is not going to turn out well.  

Update: More details on the impact that the Russia - Ukraine war is having on Egypt can be read here ..... Egypt: Consumers in shock as interest rates rise amid soaring inflation (Middle East eye).

Egypt Opens Strategic Mediterranean Naval Base

 

France 24: Egypt opens strategic Mediterranean naval base 

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Saturday opened a strategic naval base on the Mediterranean Sea to "secure shipping lines", the presidency said.

"It is the latest Egyptian military base on the Mediterranean, and will be focused on securing the country's northern and western front," the Egyptian presidency said in a statement. 

The ceremony was attended by Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, and by the chairman of Libya's Presidential Council Mohamed al-Menfi.  

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: This new naval base will be focused on Libya. Egypt has three other naval bases in the Mediterranean and one in the Red Sea. 

More News On Egypt Opening A Strategic Mediterranean Naval Base

Egypt Opens Naval Base, Latest Example of Military Build-Up -- Military.com 

Egypt's Sisi opens naval base close to border with Libya -- Middle East Monitor 

Egypt opens Mediterranean naval base -- Al Jazeera  

Factbox: Egypt’s largest, newly-inaugurated '3rd of July' Naval Base on Mediterranean -- Ahram Online

Egypt Preparing To Open The New Headquarters Of Its Armed Forces

Zero Hedge/AMN News: Egypt Prepares To Unveil New 'Octagon' Defense Headquarters 

Egyptian military sources reportedly told RT Arabic this week that Egypt is preparing to open the new headquarters of its armed forces. 

The headquarters of the new Egyptian army, dubbed "the Octagon", was designed to resemble the ancient temples of Thebes, with their huge columns and towering walls, but was also clearly inspired by the US Pentagon.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: What a strange layout (see tweet below). For more information on Egypt's new headquarters, check out this Warzone post two years ago .... Egypt's New Ministry Of Defense "Octagon" Complex Looks Like An Alien Base From Space (Warzone/The Drive).

Egypt's Octagon in the New Capital

It's not limited to an Army HQ only, but also an Integrated Strategic Command Center through which all the vital institutions of the state will be managed under any circumstances.

The Octagon will be an iconic symbol of the New Egyptian State. pic.twitter.com/gg8dHPj53k

— Mahmoud Gamal (@mahmouedgamal44) May 9, 2021

The Pharaohs’ Golden Parade (Live Stream)

 

  

WNU Editor: The complete live stream is below.

 

Egypt Opens A Massive New Air And Naval Base On The Red Sea

I was happy to accompany the Egyptian President during the opening of the Berenice military base and civilian airport. Such achievements reflect Egypt's vision of all-round development and enhance its role in regional stability. We wish it more progress and prosperity. pic.twitter.com/nvbWqMA01j

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) January 15, 2020

Middle East Eye: Egypt seeks to bolster Red Sea influence with massive new base

Egyptian facility, inaugurated with much fanfare and presence of Abu Dhabi crown prince, set to be used as an anti-Iran bulwark.

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi inaugurated on Wednesday a massive air and naval base on the Red Sea, which analysts say is an attempt to counter Iranian influence in the region and could host US troops.

Sisi opened the southern Berenice military base at a ceremony held days after the Egyptian military conducted one of its largest drills since the general-turned-president came to power in 2013.

Abu Dhabi's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, among other heads of Arab states and foreign ministers, attended.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: This new base reflects not only on the importance of the Red Sea to Egypt, but also on its tense relations with its southern neighbours.

Egyptian Government Tries To Block ‘60 Minutes’ el-Sisi Interview

CBS 60 Minutes: The interview Egypt's government doesn't want on TV

In an interview with 60 Minutes the Egyptian government later asked not be shown, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi denies estimates of 60,000 political prisoners in his country. See the full interview, Sunday, January 6 at 7 p.m. ET/PT.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi sat down with Scott Pelley to make news on 60 Minutes and did when he confirmed his military was working with Israel against terrorists in North Sinai. But other questions, including jailing his opponents to maintain his regime and the massacre of 800 civilians by Egypt when he was Defense Minister were not the kind of news his government wanted broadcast. The 60 Minutes team was contacted by the Egyptian Ambassador shortly after and told the interview could not be aired. The interview will be broadcast on 60 Minutes, Sunday, January 6 at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

Read more ....

More News On The Egyptian Government Trying To Block ‘60 Minutes’ el-Sisi Interview

Egypt Tried to Block Broadcast of CBS Interview With President Sisi -- The New York Times
Egypt demanding CBS not air interview with country's president -- The Hill
Egypt Tries to Block ‘60 Minutes’ el-Sisi Interview -- VOA
Egypt demands CBS should not air interview with President Sisi -- Al Jazeera
Egypt, Israel in close cooperation against Sinai fighters: Sisi -- Al Jazeera
Egypt's Sisi confirms military cooperation with Israel to rout Sinai extremists -- i24 News
Egypt's Sissi Confirms Unprecedented Military Cooperation With Israel -- Haaretz
Egypt's Sisi says military cooperation with Israel is 'closest ever' -- Middle East Monitor

Mickey Mouse Has Been Banned From Egyptian Schools

Image: Youm7 tweeted Disney images in a typical Qalyubia kindergarten

BBC: Mickey Mouse expelled from Egypt schools

Children in a province north of Cairo may face the new school year without familiar Disney characters to cheer them up, it's reported.

The governor of Qalyubia has decreed that cartoon images of Mickey Mouse and his friends on the walls of pre-schools must be replaced by "military heroes", the Youm7 news site reports.

"We need to replace pictures of Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck with images of famous Egyptians and military martyrs, so that children will look up to them as role models. These characters are US-made, whereas we have our own noble figures who can deepen children's patriotism and love of country," Alaa Abdul-Halim Mohammed Marzouk told reporters.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: What type of society bans Mickey Mouse?

To The Surprise Of No One, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi Has Been Reelected For A Second Term With 92 Per Cent Of The Vote

Daily Mail/AFP: Egyptian President Sisi is reelected with 92 PER CENT of the vote after all credible opponents were 'intimidated into dropping out of the race'

* Preliminary results show President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi leading Egypt's election
* About 23 million of the 60 million registered voters turned out to cast their ballot
* Sisi ran almost unchallenged after other candidates were arrested or intimidated

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has been reelected for a second term with 92 per cent of the vote, state media reported today.

Preliminary results show President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is leading Egypt's presidential election with 21.5 million votes, state-owned newspaper Akhbar el-Youm reported.

Some 23 million of the 60 million registered voters turned out during the three days of polling that ended yesterday, state-owned newspapers Al-Ahram and Akhbar el-Youm, and the official MENA news agency reported.

Read more ....

WNU editor: This is not a good sign (nor is it surprising) .... Egyptian media say election turnout was around 40 percent (AP)

More News On Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi Being Reelected For A Second Term With 92 Per Cent Of The Vote

Egypt's Sisi cruises to victory but with lower turnout -- Reuters
Egypt's Sisi wins second term with 92% of vote: state media -- AFP
Egypt election: Sisi 'set to win second term as president' -- BBC
As expected, Egypt's Sissi reelected with more than 90% of vote -- The Times of Israel

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi Is Set For An Easy Re-Election Win As Polls Open

NBC: Egypt President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi set for easy re-election

Critics have dubbed the vote a charade after several credible candidates withdrew from contest.

CAIRO — Egyptians voted on Monday in a presidential election, with the outcome — a second, four-year term for President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi — a foregone conclusion and a sign that critics say shows the country is sliding back to the authoritarian rule that had prevailed since the 1950s.

While many Egyptians see the U.S.-allied former general as vital to stability in a country where unrest since 2011 has hurt the economy, critics have dubbed the vote a charade after several credible candidates withdrew apparently under pressure.

El-Sissi, 63, who led the military's overthrow of Egypt's first democratically elected President Mohammed Morsi in 2013, is seeking a second term after a first four-year mandate he says has brought stability and security.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Early indications are that the turnout is low. This should surprise no one .... all the major opposition leaders are boycotting the election.

More News On Today's Election In Egypt

LIVE UPDATES: Egyptians cast ballots on first day of 2018 presidential elections -- Ahram Online
Sisi to win Egyptian election but seeks high turnout -- Reuters
Egypt Votes for President, With El-Sissi a Sure Winner -- US News and World Report/AP
Voting begins in an election all but certain to hand Egypt's president a second term -- Los Angeles Times
Egyptians Vote for President, Turnout Could Be the Only Surprise -- VOA

Egyptians Go To The Polls To Elect A President

NPR: With Little Choice, Egyptians Head To The Polls In Presidential Election

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is set to coast to a sweeping victory in Egypt's third presidential elections since the 2011 revolution. For many Egyptians going to the polls starting Monday, it will be a vote of support for Sisi's hard-line rule five years after he led a military coup toppling the country's first democratically elected leader.

But he is also helped by the lack of credible candidates in the three-day election. In fact, Moussa Mustafa Moussa, the only rival, is quite clear about what drove him to make a last-minute bid for president.

"The most important thing is to try to avoid that the election becomes a referendum," Moussa tells NPR at his campaign headquarters in downtown Cairo. "That would be a catastrophic situation because the voters would not go to vote because there would have been only be one candidate."

Read more ....

WNU Editor: There is really no choice in this election .... Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is set to coast to a sweeping victory in Egypt's third presidential elections since the 2011 revolution. But for one group the choice is very clear .... Egypt's Christians brace for vote & hope for better times (Euronews).

Egypt Claims That 16 Militants Have Been Killed In Major Sinai Military Operation

Egypt Independent: 16 militants killed, 66 hideouts destroyed on 3rd day of ‘Sinai 2018’ operation

Egypt’s Armed Forces killed 16 militants and destroyed 66 militant hideouts on Sunday morning as part of a large-scale operation dubbed “Comprehensive Operation Sinai 2018” that began on Friday, an official statement by the army’s official spokesperson read.

Sunday’s statement said that forces of the Third and Second Field armies with the support of special forces and the Thunderbolt commando force swept North and Central Sinai and killed the militants there.

The destruction of the hideouts was carried out with the support of Egypt’s Air Force.

Read more ....

More News On Egypt's Military Offensive Against Militants In The Sinai

Egypt army says it killed 16 jihadists in Sinai -- BBC
Egypt army kills 16 jihadists in Sinai -- AFP
Egypt Hits Sinai Targets, Killing 16 and Arresting Dozens -- AP
Egyptian Army Says 16 Militants Killed in Sinai Operation -- Algemeiner/Reuters
Egypt: 16 Militants Killed in Major Sinai Operation -- VOA
Egypt Continues with 'Operation Sinai 2018' -- Asharq Al-Awsat
After a Mosque Massacre, Egypt Strikes Back in Sinai -- New York Times

Egypt Launches Massive Military Operation Against Militants In Sinai And The Nile Delta

Al Jazeera: Egypt launches military operation in Sinai, Nile Delta

Egypt has launched a "comprehensive" security operation against "terrorists and criminal elements" across the country, a military spokesman said.

Colonel Tamer Rifai announced on Friday the implementation of a plan to push out armed groups in the Sinai Peninsula, parts of the Nile Delta and the Western Desert.

"Law enforcement forces began this morning implementing the plan of comprehensive confrontation against the terrorist and criminal elements and organisations in the north and central Sinai and other areas in the Delta of Egypt and the desert back in the west of the Nile Valley," Rifai said in an urgent televised statement.

Read more ....

More News On Egypt Launching A Massive Military Operation Against Militants

Egypt's army launches 'Comprehensive Operation Sinai 2018' to purge country of terrorism -- Ahram Online
Egypt launches massive security operation against militants -- AP
Egypt army announces major anti-jihadist operation -- AFP
Egypt launches major assault on militants ahead of election -- Reuters
Egypt Launches All-Out Attack on ISIS in Desperate Bid to Drive Militants From Strongholds -- Newsweek
Egypt launches new operation against 'Islamic State' -- DW
Egypt targets terrorists in 'Sinai 2018' military operation -- UPI
Egypt closes Gaza border due to anti-jihadist operation -- AFP

Egyptian President al-Sisi Has Declared A State Of Emergency For Three Months

BBC: Egypt declares state of emergency after deadly church attacks

Egypt's President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi has announced a three-month state of emergency after attacks on two Coptic churches that left at least 44 dead.

The measure allows authorities to make arrests without warrants and search people's homes. It needs to be approved by parliament before it is implemented.

So-called Islamic State (IS) said it was behind the blasts in Tanta and Alexandria on Palm Sunday.

The group has targeted Copts in Egypt recently and warns of more attacks.

Mr Sisi made a defiant speech at the presidential palace after a meeting of the national defence council to discuss the explosions.

Read more ....

More News On Egyptian President al-Sisi Declaring A State Of Emergency For Three Months

Egypt's Sisi says three-month state of emergency to be declared -- Reuters
Egypt declares three-month state of emergency after Palm Sunday attacks on Coptic Christian churches -- DW
Egypt church bombing: President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi to declare three-month state of emergency after Isis attacks -- The Independent
Egypt's El-Sisi Declares State of Emergency After Church Attacks -- Bloomberg
Egypt declares state of emergency; ISIS attacks killed scores of Palm Sunday churchgoers -- ABC News
Egypt declares state of emergency after church bombings -- Al Jazeera

Egypt's Tourist Industry Has Collapsed

Sphinx: The group captured the majestic Sphinx monument from their perch atop Giza's Great Pyramid - the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis

Daily Mail: Not a visitor in sight at the Pyramids, as Egypt’s tourism trade freefalls: Normally bustling site is deserted and market stalls empty as fear keeps people away

* The World Travel and Tourism Council says Egypt is suffering badly
* The EgyptAir crash came only six months after the Metrojet disaster
* The Pyramids of Giza are 4,500 years old and a massive attraction
* But tourist numbers from Europe, the US, Russia and Far East are down

Plane disasters and the ongoing threat of Islamic terrorism have have brought Egypt's beleaguered tourism industry to its knees.

The economy of the crisis-hit north African country is at risk of collapsing as holidaymakers stay away from the famous Pyramids and the once popular seaside resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.

And the EgyptAir crash, which killed 66, was the last thing Egypt needed as it is increasingly being seen as a tourist 'no-go area' following a number of attacks by ISIS.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Two passenger planes down this year .... coupled with an ISIS insurgency in the Sinai .... plus a lot of internal political unrest .... it is not hard to see why no one wants to go there. Hmmmm .... which makes this an opportunity to go there and maybe do this.

Egypt Places Its Pyramids Under Military Protection

Students from the Egyptian Military Academy hold up Egyptian flags at the opening of the Egyptian International Parachuting Championship, which is organized by the Egyptian Parachuting and Air Sports Federation (EPAF), in front of the great pyramids of Giza, Egypt, March 2, 2016. (photo by REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh)

Al-Monitor: Why Egypt is placing its pyramids under military protection

CAIRO — Following years of disorder and neglect at Cairo’s great pyramids, Egypt is launching a renovation program to make the area safer, cleaner and easier to navigate for tourists, and more secure for its archaeological treasures.

Egyptian Minister of Antiquities Mamdouh al-Damaty has called on Queen, a national service company affiliated with the armed forces, to develop and renovate the site. A ministry official said the company has already visited the site numerous times in preparation and plans to begin work this month.

The source said the ministry has yet to declare the cost of the project, noting that the contract will be renewed annually.

Tourists have complained about vandalism and say they face harassment from persistent vendors peddling souvenirs. Videos posted online in early February show undercover footage of people stealing stones from the plateau to sell.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: For anyone who has visited the pyramids .... these measures are long overdue.

Egypt Clamps Down Ahead Of Arab Spring Anniversary

Wall Street Journal: Egypt Moves to Head Off Popular Unrest

As an Arab Spring milestone nears, Egypt signals it won’t tolerate dissent

CAIRO—Five years ago, massive street protests swept out Egypt’s strongman president and changed the course of the nation. Now, its authoritarian government, in an effort to avoid any resurgence of unrest, is clamping down on its critics and signaling that public displays of dissent won’t be tolerated.

The regime of President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi has arrested dozens of administrators of Facebook pages critical of the government and has scripted sermons for Muslim clerics, sending a clear message to the country that Monday, Jan. 25—the fifth anniversary of the Arab Spring upheaval—is just another day.

“Why am I hearing calls for another revolution? Why do you want to ruin the nation?” Mr. Sisi said late last month, addressing his critics in a televised speech. “I came by your will and your choice and not despite it.”

Egypt’s interior ministry didn’t respond to requests to comment.

Read more ....

More News And Analysis On The Unrest In Egypt

Egypt intensifies crackdown ahead of Arab Spring anniversary -- AP
Six killed in Egypt bomb attack near Giza pyramids -- The Guardian/Reuters
Raid on Militant Hide-Out Near Egypt’s Pyramids Ends in Deadly Blast -- NYT
Egypt: Cairo bomb blast kills nine during police raid -- BBC
10 killed in explosion during raid on terrorist hideout in Egypt’s Giza -- RT
Five years on: Egypt after the Arab Spring -- DW
Egypt, five years later: A human-rights catastrophe of America’s making -- Salon
You won't believe how Egypt plans to stop January 25 protests -- Safiaa Mounir, Al-Monitor
Egypt: who's afraid of January 25? -- Ahmed Aboulenein, Reuters

Massive Natural Gas Field Discovered Off The Coast Of Egypt

Eni said the well could be one of the largest in the world

BBC: Italy's Eni discovers huge gas field off Egyptian coast

Italian energy group Eni says it has found one of the world's largest natural gas fields off Egypt's coast.

The company said the area was 1,450m (4,757 feet) beneath the surface and covered 100 sq km (39 sq miles).

It could hold as much as 30 trillion cubic feet of gas, or 5.5 billion barrels of oil equivalent, Eni said.

The company says that the Zohr field "could become one of the world's largest natural-gas finds" and help meet Egypt's gas needs for decades.

WNU Editor: This discovery is huge ... and I suspect that it is also a huge surprise for everyone involved.

Egypt Is Facing A Growing Islamic Insurgency

Bloomberg: Week of Islamist Militant Violence Lays Bare Threat Facing Egypt

Egypt’s military said it was firmly in control of the Sinai peninsula after beating back the fiercest assault yet by Islamist militants behind a week of violence that has laid bare the growing threat facing the nation.

The day-long battle between Egypt’s security forces and militants linked to the Islamic State on Wednesday left 17 soldiers and more than 100 jihadists dead, the military said in a televised statement. As fighting had unfolded, officials in Sinai said as many as 64 security personnel were killed. It was not immediately possible to reconcile the figures.

“No one, whoever he is, will be able to control even one millimeter of Sinai or any part of Egypt while the Egyptian army and Egyptian police exist,” military spokesman Brigadier General Mohamed Samir said, suggesting media were to blame for the widely varying casualty tolls.

WNU Editor: What struck me about the Sinai attack yesterday was not only the coordination, but that these ISIS fighters had heavy weapons and even uniforms .... Egypt Proudly Posts Photos of Mangled ISIS Corpses on Facebook (Daily Beast).

More News On Egypt's Growing Islamic Insurgency

Egypt media says sophisticated weapons used in Sinai attack -- Washington Post
Egypt Vows to Wipe Out 'Dens of Terror' After Islamic State Attacks -- NDTV
Egypt's Sinai hit by worst violence in years -- Al Jazeera
Egypt army says it killed 100 terrorists, lost 17 personnel in fight against IS Wednesday -- Ahram Online
Scores Killed in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula as Militants, Army Clash -- WSJ
Egyptian air strikes kill 23 militants in North Sinai: sources -- Reuters
Fresh air strike kills 22 Ansar Beit Al-Maqdis militants in North Sinai: Sources -- Ahram Online
Egypt launches air strikes on group linked to Isis -- Bloomberg
F-16 vs. ISIS: Biggest battle in Sinai since Yom Kippur War -- YNet News
The longest battle in North Sinai: Egypt's army fights back against IS assaults -- Ahram
Egypt: Sinai operations will last 'until IS removed' -- BBC
Egypt's Brotherhood calls for uprising after killings -- Al Jazeera
Egypt Proudly Posts Photos of Mangled ISIS Corpses on Facebook -- Daily Beast
Islamist militants in Sinai rely on sophisticated networks of support, military experts say -- Ahram
Israel boosts defence on Sinai border fearing ISIS spillover -- Business Standard
Two years after military coup: How stable is Egypt? -- Al Jazeera
Analysis: Egypt is losing its war against ISIS in Sinai -- Jerusalem Post

Did The Egyptian Military And The UAE Conspired To Overthrow Morsi's Egyptian Government?

Egyptian President Abdel Fatah Al-Sisi

New York Times: Recordings Suggest Emirates and Egyptian Military Pushed Ousting of Morsi

Audio recordings of senior Egyptian officials that were leaked Sunday suggest that when Mohamed Morsi was president, the United Arab Emirates gave the Egyptian Defense Ministry money for a protest campaign against him.

The recordings, which could not be authenticated, appear to indicate that both the Egyptian military and its backers in the Emirates played a much more active role in fomenting the protests against Mr. Morsi in June 2013 than either party has acknowledged.

President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who was then the defense minister, said when he led the ouster of Mr. Morsi that he was acting in response to the protests.

Update: New Sisi leaks exposes UAE support for military coup -- Middle East Monitor

WNU Editor: This type of intel leaks are always hard to verify .... but it would not surprise me.