China is helping Saudi Arabia bolster its ballistic missile program, U.S. officials believe, and the intelligence was not passed on to congressional leaders, according to a new report.
CNN published a lengthy report Wednesday that claimed the U.S. government has intelligence that shows the Saudis, a key U.S. ally in the Middle East, have ramped up their ballistic missile program via purchases from China.
Saudi Arabia is not legally allowed to buy the missiles from the U.S. because of a 1987 arms control pact, so it has turned to other countries over the years to put together its arsenal. According to CNN, the Saudis lack the capability of actually deploying ballistic missiles, but their recent purchases from the Chinese could signal otherwise.
CNN included a satellite photo in its story, which reportedly shows a ballistic missile factory in Saudi Arabia.
In recent classified briefings between intelligence officials and leaders on Capitol Hill, the developments regarding Saudi Arabia's ballistic missile capabilities were not discussed, CNN reported. Some congressional staff members discovered the intelligence from other sources, including foreigners during a trip to the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia's relationship with the U.S. has been on shakier ground than normal since last fall, when a U.S. resident and journalist was killed inside the Saudi embassy in Istanbul, Turkey. A team of Saudi hitmen dispatched by the country's leadership is believed to be behind the killing.
The Trump administration has stood by the Saudis despite the killing, to the displeasure of some lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle.
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