BREAKING NEWS

US lawmakers raise doubts on sale of smart bombs to Saudi Arabia

By REUTERS

APRIL 11, 2017 04:48

WASHINGTON - A group of US lawmakers said on Monday they had requested more information from President Donald Trump's administration about the potential sale of precision-guided munitions to Saudi Arabia, expressing concern about civilian casualties in Riyadh's campaign in Yemen that delayed the deal last year.

Thirty mostly Democratic lawmakers signed the letter to US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, and Secretary of Defense, James Mattis, citing expectations that the administration plans to go ahead with the sale.

"As you know, the previous administration made the decision in December 2016 to halt a planned sale of precision-guided munitions (PGM) to Saudi Arabia due to concerns over widespread civilian casualties and significant deficiencies in RSAF's (the Saudi Air Force's) targeting capabilities," the letter, dated Friday but released on Monday, said.

"According to recent reports, however, the State Department has now reversed course and removed the suspension on these PGM sales," they said in the letter, led by Representative Ted Lieu, a Democratic member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

The State and Defense Departments do not comment on planned arms sales before formal notification is sent to Congress.

US issues new Iran-related sanctions, Treasury Dept. website shows

By REUTERS

04/25/2024 05:14 PM

US official: 'Gaza op. goes on because Sinwar doesn't release hostages'

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF

04/25/2024 05:13 PM

Cabinet to discuss suggestion that British reps. visit Nukhba terrorists

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF

04/25/2024 04:40 PM

Sweden to move on with sending troops to Latvia as part of NATO forces

By REUTERS