Spain stops laser bomb deal with Saudi Arabia

Spain has declared it has cancelled the delivery of 400 laser-guided bombs purchased by Saudi Arabia amid fears the weapons could be used against Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The arms deal was originally signed in 2015 under Spain’s former conservative government, but the new centre-left administration of prime minister Pedro Sanchez plans to return the €9.2 million (£8.3m) already paid by the Saudis. A defence ministry spokeswoman confirmed the report.

International rights groups have blamed a Saudi-led coalition’s airstrikes and other attacks in Yemen for the killing of civilians, including children.

UN human rights experts say all sides, including militias which are backed by the United Arab Emirates, may have committed war crimes.