WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler approved an operation to capture or kill murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, according to U.S. intelligence released on Friday as the United States imposed sanctions on some of those involved but spared the crown prince himself in an effort to preserve relations with the kingdom.
Khashoggi, a U.S. resident who wrote opinion columns for the Washington Post critical of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s policies, was killed and dismembered by a team of operatives linked to the prince in the kingdom’s consulate in Istanbul.
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MIDDLE EAST
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman approved operation to 'capture or kill' journalist Jamal Khashoggi, US intelligence report says.
Saudi Arabia rejects US report on Khashoggi's murder.
U.S. air strikes in Syria target Iranian-backed militia - Pentagon.
Syria condemns 'cowardly' U.S. air strikes on Iran-backed militias.
Iran threatens to end deal with IAEA over U.S.-led push to criticize it.
Iran probes border shooting deaths that sparked protests.
Arab coalition intercepts, destroys Houthi drones targeting Saudi Arabia.
Explosion strikes Israeli-owned cargo ship in Mideast amid tension.
ASIA
Myanmar protesters injured as police escalate use of force.
Myanmar's Suu Kyi moved to undisclosed location.
Myanmar's UN ambassador defies junta, calls for global action to overturn coup.
U.N. rights chief decries arrests in China, abuses in Xinjiang.
Kashmir villagers hopeful but wary after India and Pakistan agree to ceasefire.
North Korea enslaves prisoners in producing coal for export, report says.
Coronavirus digest: South Korea launches vaccination drive.
Sir Michael Somare, first prime minister of Papua New Guinea, dies at age of 84.
AFRICA
Kidnappers abduct 317 schoolgirls in Nigeria in armed night-time raid.
Police and army mobilise after hundreds of Nigerian schoolgirls taken in mass abduction.
Several soldiers killed in central Mali attack.
Pictured: ‘Mass grave holding hundreds of bodies from Ethiopian massacre’ at ancient town that is home to Ark of the Covenant.
Hunger-striking Ethiopia politicians ‘deteriorating’ in jail.
Libyan PM-designate proposes unity government plan.
Rwanda court says it has jurisdiction to try 'Hotel Rwanda hero'.
EUROPE
Armenian leader says he's facing "coup attempt" amid rage over "painful" deal to end war with Azerbaijan.
Armenian PM slams ‘coup attempt’ as political tensions rise.
Armenian opposition leader urges army to rebel after PM's coup accusation.
Kremlin critic Navalny sent to prison outside Moscow.
EU leaders vow to speed up vaccine production at Covid-19 summit.
Georgians take to the streets to protest at opposition leader's detention.
AMERICAS
U.S. CDC says trend of decline in COVID-19 cases may be stalling.
Biden faces bipartisan backlash over Syria bombing.
Militia attack groups want to ‘blow up Capitol’ during Biden speech, police chief warns.
Brazil death toll tops 250,000, virus still running rampant.
Haiti prison breakout left 25 dead as 400 escaped: official.
Honduras leader warns drug cooperation with US endangered.
Weapons, cellphones seized after deadly Ecuador prison riots.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Britain risks creating new Guantánamo in Syria, says rights group.
ISIS bride who fled as teen to Syria loses bid to return to U.K..
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Nasdaq finishes higher, tech stocks retrace some losses.
U.S. SEC suspends trading in 15 securities due to 'questionable' social media activity.
Bots hyped up GameStop on major social media platforms, analysis finds.