Egypt passed intelligence on recent Emirati operations in Yemen to Saudi authorities as part of efforts to rebuild strained relations with Riyadh, a senior Egyptian presidential source told Middle East Eye.
The move came amid rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with Egyptian officials viewing Emirati backing of armed and separatist groups in Yemen, Sudan and Somaliland as a growing threat to Egypt’s national security.
“Egypt offered the UAE as a sacrifice to restore Saudi support and preserve national security,” the source said, describing the step as a “carefully planned manoeuvre”.
Saudi Arabia’s partnership in Yemen with the UAE has dramatically unravelled in recent weeks.
Early in January, Saudi Arabia launched strikes on the UAE’s ally in Yemen, the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC), in response to its unilateral takeover of key eastern governorates. Saudi-backed forces subsequently advanced, STC control collapsed, and government troops retook Aden and surrounding areas.
