Fury over fast-track Us-saudi arms deal

THE White House has allowed hi-tech US bomb parts to be built in Saudi Arabia despite them previously being used to target civilians, it has emerged.

The Trump administration declared an emergency over Iran last month which allowed them to fast-track a sale of arms to Saudi Arabia as part of a weapons deal previously blocked by Congress.

The emergency authorisation allows American defence company Raytheon to collaborate with Saudi Arabia to build 120,000 hi-tech bomb parts in the country along with giving support for the country’s F-15 warplanes, antitanks missiles and other military equipment.

Details of the arrangement were only released by the administration to Congress this week, infuriating lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

The move raises concerns that the Saudi authorities could gain access to technology that would enable them to recreate their own versions of precision-guided bombs.

Human rights organisations say that such bombs have previously been used in strikes on civilians as part of the war with Yemen.

Mr Trump’s emergency authorisation gave the green light for Raytheon and the Saudis to begin assembling key components of the company’s Paveway smart bombs, such as the control systems, guidance electronics and circuit cards. The time frame is unclear and talks are thought to be ongoing.

The emergency declaration, which cited “the malign influence” of Iran, has prompted criticism from both Republicans and Democrats who believe Mr Trump was overreaching his presidential authority to bypass Congress.

Prominent Republican senators, including outspoken Trump ally Lindsey Graham, joined with Democrats to announce they would introduce 22 measures expressing their disapproval of the arms deals.

“Few nations should be trusted less than Saudi Arabia,” Republican senator Rand Paul said.

“In recent years, they have fomented human atrocities, repeatedly lied to the US and have proved to be a reckless regional pariah. It is concerning and irresponsible for the US to continue providing them arms.”