UAE: Egypt-based computer hackers foiled

(AP)—Officials in the United Arab Emirates say they have thwarted an attempt by Egypt-based hackers to bring down UAE government websites in apparent retaliation for backing the forces that ousted Islamist President Mohammed Morsi.

The UAE has emerged as a leading Arab supporter of the military-led authorities in Egypt since Morsi was toppled earlier this month. The UAE also is a fierce opponent of Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood, charging supporters of the Islamist group with plotting to overthrow the UAE's Western-backed ruling system.

The UAE's Telecommunications Authority said in a statement Sunday that experts blocked the attempted hacking on Friday, saying it said caused "limited damage."

It said computer-tracking addresses of the alleged hackers were given to Egyptian officials.

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