The U.S. government has decided to cancel a planned foreign military sales deal with Saudi Arabia for Raytheon-built precision-guided munitions due to concerns over civilian casualties associated with the Saudi-led coalition’s airstrikes in Yemen, Reuters reported Tuesday.Phil Stewart and Warren Strobel write the U.S. will also update its training for Saudi Arabia’s air force in an effort to address issues with the country’s targeting practices.
The report said the U.S. government will continue to provide refueling support to Saudi-led coalition planes involved in offensive operations in Yemen and facilitate intelligence sharing in an effort to help the Middle Eastern country defend its border.
The decision comes less than a week after the State Department approved Saudi’s request to buy Boeing-built CH-47F Chinook helicopters, equipment and related support from the U.S. under a potential $3.51 billion FMS contract.
