Russian Officials Deny Hacking of Qatari News Agency

After CNN reported, citing several American intelligence officials, that Russian hackers were responsible for the hacking of a Qatari news agency, Russian officials denied any connection to this hack. According to a report published by CNN, U.S. intelligence officials believe that Russian hackers were responsible for the dissemination of 'fake news' in the official Qatari news agency, which ultimately led to tensions between Saudi Arabia and its allies with Qatar. According to AFP, FBI experts traveled to Qatar in late May to investigate the possibility of cyberattacks and the dissemination of 'fake news.' In the official Qatari news agency, Sheikh Tamim stated that there is no rationality in hostility towards Iran, and despite a positive meeting between the leaders of the two countries in Riyadh, his relationship with the Trump administration is tense. The Qatari news agency also quoted the Emir of Qatar as saying that he believes Donald Trump will not remain in the presidency of the United States for long. In statements attributed to the Emir of Qatar, relations with Israel, Hezbollah, and Hamas were described as good. The publication of these statements angered Saudi Arabia and the UAE, leading several Arab countries to cut ties with Qatar at Saudi Arabia's request. Saudi Arabia cited Qatar's support for 'terrorism' and destabilizing the region as the reason for severing relations. Meanwhile, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani stated that the FBI confirmed the hacking of the official Qatari news agency. CNN reported, citing the Qatari government's communication office, that this office is investigating cyberattacks with the help of the FBI and the UK National Crime Agency. Now, the Associated Press, citing several Russian government officials, denies the accusation of the Qatari news agency being hacked by Russians. The Russian news agency Interfax also reported on Wednesday, citing a special representative of Vladimir Putin, that 'there is no evidence' of Russian involvement in this action. Qatar hosts the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East. However, Donald Trump, the President of the United States, initially sided with Riyadh's allies in the Saudi-UAE dispute with Qatar.