US to send $750 mln worth of bombs to Saudi Arabia: WSJ

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Wall Street Journal
13 Aug 2024 21:31
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This deal includes $290 million worth of GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs, which enable accurate strikes from a distance, and $468 million in Paveway IV bombs, which utilize advanced targeting systems.

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The Saudi Arabia flag flies outside the country's consul general's official residence in Istanbul, Wednesday, October 24, 2018. (AP)

A report by The Wall Street Journal has revealed that the Biden administration is preparing to send Saudi Arabia more than $750 million worth of bombs in the coming months, signaling a significant shift in US-Saudi relations.

The shipments, including 3,000 Small Diameter Bombs and 7,500 Paveway IV bombs, were previously halted by President Biden in 2021 due to alleged concerns over high levels of civilian casualties resulting from Saudi-led operations in Yemen.

According to WSJ, the decision to resume these shipments reflects the White House's efforts to strengthen ties with Riyadh, with the alleged aim of advancing a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and facilitating a potential normalization agreement between Saudi Arabia and "Israel."

It adds that the move comes after years of strained relations between the two nations. Biden, who had initially pledged to treat Saudi Arabia as a "pariah" due to its human rights record and the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, has gradually softened his stance, particularly following his 2022 visit to Saudi Arabia.

"The Saudis will view this as addressing a strategic stain on relations with the US," said Dana Stroul, a former senior Pentagon official. The decision is also seen as a reward for Saudi Arabia's cooperation on regional security issues, including its openness to discussions on long-term normalization with "Israel."

The bombs are expected to enhance Saudi Arabia's capacity to conduct precision airstrikes, particularly using US-made jet fighters. This deal includes $290 million worth of GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs, which enable accurate strikes from a distance, and $468 million in Paveway IV bombs, which utilize advanced targeting systems.

US officials have assured Congress that the deliveries will not jeopardize the ceasefire in Yemen, claiming that Saudi Arabia has improved its targeting procedures to minimize civilian casualties.

A senior administration official remarked, "The Saudis have met their end of the deal, and we are prepared to meet ours," indicating that the US is ready to move forward with these sales in light of Saudi Arabia's alleged adherence to the truce with Ansar Allah and efforts to mitigate civilian harm.

This development follows a long history of tumultuous US-Saudi relations. Previous arms sales were suspended in 2016 after a Saudi airstrike on a funeral hall in Yemen killed at least 155 people, but the Trump administration later lifted some restrictions, approving a $110 billion arms deal.

Biden's initial ban in 2021 specifically targeted arms that could be used in offensive operations in Yemen, although defensive weapons continued to be supplied.