SAUDI ARABIA FIRES 5 TOP OFFICIALS, ARRESTS 18

Saudi Arabia has fired five top officials and arrested 18 other as a result of the initial investigation in the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

The announcement marks the first time that Saudi officials have acknowledged that Khashoggi was killed inside the consulate. Those fired included Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s adviser Saud al-Qahtani and deputy intelligence chief Major General Ahmed al-Assiri.

The public prosecutor said 18 people have been detained in connection with the case, without identifying them.

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Almost simultaneously, King Salman issued royal orders removing Saud al-Qahtani - a top adviser to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman - from his position. The monarch also relieved deputy intelligence chief General Ahmed al-Assiri and ordered the formation of a committee headed by Prince Mohammed to the kingdom’s intelligence agency.

The results of the investigation could potentially ease strains the case has created between the kingdom and the United States. But it leaves lingering questions about the extent of Prince Mohammed’s role in and knowledge of the incident - especially given the removal of Al-Qahtani, one of his most trusted aides. The crown prince had no specific knowledge of the operation that led to Khashoggi’s death, the Saudiowned Al Arabiya television reported.

The Saudi public prosecutor did not disclose details on the whereabouts of Khashoggi’s body or who was involved in the altercation.