Donald Trump backs death-fight claim of Middle East ally

Donald Trump yesterday said Saudi Arabia’s claim that Jamal Khashoggi died in a fight was “credible”.

The Saudis admitted that the Washington Post journalist died in their Istanbul consulate, despite previously saying he had left the building unharmed.

They said he died by accident in a scuffle.

The US president said he believed the explanation, going against information gathered by Turkish authorities and his own intelligence officers.

Turkish agencies say Mr Khashoggi was tortured, murdered and dismembered within two hours of entering the consulate in Istanbul on October 2.

President Trump also welcomed the arrest of 15 Saudis, yet to be identified, saying it was “a good first step” and “a big step”.

Asked if he thought Saudi Arabia’s explanation for Mr Khashoggi’s death was credible, Mr Trump said: “I do. I do.”

He said: “Saudi Arabia has been a great ally, but what happened is unacceptable,”

Trump ally Senator Lindsey Graham expressed scepticism.

“First we were told Mr Khashoggi left the consulate and there was blanket denial of any Saudi involvement,” Mr Graham tweeted.

“Now, a fight breaks out and he’s killed in the consulate, all without knowledge of the Crown Prince.”