US Senate votes down resolution to block $650 million in missile sales to Saudi Arabia
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The Senate has rejected a bid to stop a US arms sale to Saudi Arabia. Lawmakers from both parties sought to prevent President Joe Biden’s administration from selling more than $650 million worth of weapons to the country.
A proposal in the US Senate that would have prevented $650 million in military sales to Saudi Arabia was defeated.
The motion was rejected in the Senate on Tuesday night by a vote of 30-67.
Saudi Arabia has received 280 medium-range air-to-air missiles from the United States, which will be used to protect against attacks such as Houthi explosive-equipped drones.
It was the latest squabble in Congress over weapons shipments to the country.
Also read | Saudi Arabia targets Huthi rebels in Yemen after ballistic missile attack
Saudi Arabia has been a longtime ally of the United States, but resentment has grown over civilian casualties in the Saudi-led war in Yemen and the assassination of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi operatives.
Saudi Arabia will receive $650 million worth of weapons as part of the arms agreement. Almost 600 Raytheon missile launchers and nearly 300 air-to-air missiles, as well as spare parts and maintenance assistance, are included in the arms package.
Watch | Yemen: Saudi-led coalition launches airstrikes, Yemen locked in downward spiral
Iran-backed Huthi rebels control much of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, which they seized in 2014.
A year later, a Saudi-led coalition entered in Yemen to support the government in a conflict that has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions.
(With inputs from agencies)