US Approves $2.8 Billion Military Sale to Saudi Arabia Amid Criticisms Over Human Rights Concerns in Yemen
US Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia Despite Ongoing Human Rights Abuses in Yemen
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The US State Department has approved a potential $2.8 billion military sale to Saudi Arabia, sparking widespread criticism from human rights advocates who argue that the deal is at odds with the US' self-proclaimed commitment to human rights and democracy.
According to the DSCA statement, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has requested to purchase a range of services and supplies, including Joint Mission Planning Software (JMPS) hardware and support, cryptographic devices and support, spare parts, and repair services for various aircraft such as KC-130J, C-130, E-3, RE-3, KE-3, KA 350, Bell 212, and Bell 412.
The sale, which covers system logistics and sustainment support for various military platforms and aircraft, is a significant increase in US military aid to Saudi Arabia, which has been accused of committing war crimes and human rights abuses in Yemen.
Despite mounting evidence of civilian casualties, including children and women, the US has continued to provide billions of dollars in military aid to Saudi Arabia, which has led to widespread outrage among human rights groups and anti-war activists.
"This decision unveils the US government's hypocrisy when it comes to human rights," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "The US claims to be a champion of human rights, but its actions speak louder than its words. By continuing to arm Saudi Arabia, the US is complicit in the humanitarian crisis in Yemen."
The UN has repeatedly warned of the devastating impact of the conflict on civilians in Yemen, with millions displaced and countless lives lost. The US has faced growing pressure to cut off its military aid to Saudi Arabia, but so far, the administration has refused to take decisive action.
The proposed sale will also fuel concerns about the ongoing proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which has seen the two countries support different factions in Yemen's conflict. The US has long been accused of fueling this conflict through its own military aid and support for Saudi Arabia.
"This deal is a betrayal of the people of Yemen who are suffering under the weight of war," said Maria Riera, Executive Director at Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) USA. "The US should be working to find a peaceful resolution to this conflict, not arming one side against the other."
The $2.8 billion deal is subject to congressional approval and other customary regulatory requirements before it can be finalized. However, given the long history of military aid to Saudi Arabia, many are skeptical that any changes will be made.
"This is just another example of how the US prioritizes profits over people's lives," said Kristen Saloomey, a campaigner at CodePink. "We demand that the US take a stand against this war and work towards a peaceful resolution that respects the human rights and dignity of all people in Yemen."
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