US Deploys F-16 Fighter Jets to Saudi Arabia Despite Criticizing Saudi War on Yemen

According to reports, marking the second deployment from South Carolina Air in the past 18 months, the F-16s were sent to the Saudi base, Air Force Magazine reported.

US military officials claimed that the new forces are will partner with US allies in West Asia to “deliver airpower where and when needed.”

The deployment came as the Biden administration announced its intent to allow the sale of military equipment to Saudi Arabia for what it calls “defensive purposes”.

US State Department also announced on Tuesday that the administration will approve $23 billion in weapons sales to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as it is close to completing a review of the Trump-era weapons sales to the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Washington will go ahead with the plan “even as we continue reviewing details and consulting with Emirati officials” related to the use of the weapons, a spokesman for the department said.

The sale of weapons to Saudi Arabia and the UAE had been finalized under former US President Donald Trump, who had close ties with the two countries.