International

US Approves $1.96B Precision Weapons Sale to Saudi Arabia Amid Iran Conflict

Published

3 months ago

July 16, 2026

US Approves $1.96B Precision Weapons Sale to Saudi Arabia Amid Iran Conflict

The United States has approved a proposed weapons sale worth nearly $2 billion** to Saudi Arabia, a move aimed at strengthening the kingdom’s air defence capabilities amid heightened tensions across the Middle East. The US State Department announced on July 15, 2026, that it had authorised the possible sale of military equipment valued at approximately **$1.96 billion, including up to 20,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS-II) and related support equipment . The announcement comes as security concerns continue to mount in the region, with renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran and escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels . According to the State Department, the proposed sale is intended to improve Saudi Arabia’s ability to counter current and emerging threats, enhance the security of its territory, and increase military interoperability with the United States and allied forces .

The proposed package includes 10,000 air-to-air guidance sections and 10,000 air-to-ground guidance sections for the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II . The equipment also includes LAU-131 rocket launchers, Mk-152 high-explosive warheads, Mk66 rocket motors, proximity fuzes, practice warheads, spare and repair parts, technical documentation, training equipment, and logistics support services . The APKWS-II is not a missile in the traditional sense. Rather, it is a laser-guidance kit, built by BAE Systems, that converts standard 70mm Hydra unguided rockets into precision-guided weapons . This conversion matters because it takes a rocket that would otherwise fly in a straight, unguided line and gives it accuracy rivaling far more expensive missiles, all while keeping the unit cost somewhere between $15,000 and $22,000 . By comparison, a single AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile costs approximately $1 million**, while an AIM-9X Sidewinder costs about **$450,000 . The affordability of APKWS-II has turned it into the US military’s weapon of choice for a very specific and increasingly common problem: shooting down cheap, one-way attack drones and low-end cruise missiles without burning through interceptors that cost fifty or a hundred times more than the target they are destroying . According to BAE Systems, the APKWS-II has a maximum effective range of approximately 6.5 kilometres when fired from helicopters and up to 14 kilometres from fixed-wing aircraft, achieving an accuracy of roughly two metres from the designated target . Saudi Arabia is expected to deploy the system on its AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and F-15SA fighter jets .

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The approval comes amid escalating military exchanges across the Middle East. The Iran war began in February 2026 following coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile infrastructure, and senior military leadership . Iran responded with sustained waves of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and one-way attack drones targeting Israel as well as military infrastructure across the Gulf, including Saudi Arabia . The arms sale also follows a series of Houthi attacks on Saudi territory. On July 13, 2026, the Houthis launched missiles at Abha International Airport in southern Saudi Arabia after the Yemeni government struck Sanaa airport in an attempt to divert a flight carrying a Houthi delegation returning from the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader . The Houthis blamed Riyadh for the attack, raising fears of renewed conflict . Just two days before the arms approval, Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted ballistic missiles launched by Yemen’s Houthi militia toward the kingdom’s southern regions . The kingdom has spent years fighting Houthi rebels across its southern border, absorbing repeated drone and missile attacks aimed at its territory . This latest request builds directly on a much smaller purchase Saudi Arabia made in March 2025, when the State Department approved a $100 million sale covering 2,000 APKWS-II guidance kits . The jump from 2,000 units to a potential 20,000 signals Saudi Arabia is moving from testing the system in limited numbers toward building a large, sustained stockpile meant to last through years of continued regional tension .

The State Department stated that the proposed sale would “support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a Major non-NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf Region” . Officials emphasised that the transaction would enhance Saudi Arabia’s ability to deter current and future threats while improving interoperability with US, regional, and NATO forces . The principal contractor for the deal is BAE Systems, based in Nashua, New Hampshire . Implementation will require the assignment of 15 additional US government and 15 US contractor representatives to Saudi Arabia for an extended period to support program and technical reviews, training, and maintenance support . The proposed sale has been forwarded to the US Congress for review, a mandatory step before the transaction can be finalised . Congress has the authority to object to such sales, although major defence deals involving longstanding US allies are often approved. As of July 16, 2026, no congressional leaders or committees have filed formal objections or joint resolutions of disapproval . The State Department noted that the proposed sale “will not alter the basic military balance in the region” .

In a separate move, the State Department also authorised a $484 million Foreign Military Sale to Kuwait for C-17 Sustainment and related equipment . The Kuwait package includes aircraft components, parts and accessories, modification and support equipment, spare and repair parts, ground handling equipment, communications equipment, software support, technical documentation, training, and logistics services . The State Department said Kuwait’s C-17 fleet “directly support[s] US and coalition operations around the world,” underscoring the aircraft’s role in Washington’s military operations .

US Approves $1.96B Precision Weapons Sale to Saudi Arabia Amid Iran Conflict

International

Nigeria Secures UN Human Rights Council Seat With 172 Votes

Published

12 hours ago

October 14, 2026

Trends Admin

Nigeria Secures UN Human Rights Council Seat With 172 Votes

Nigeria has secured a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) after receiving 172 votes in an election by the UN General Assembly, earning the country a three-year term on the international body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights worldwide.

The election was held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Nigeria will serve on the 47-member council from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2029.

Nigeria was among 15 countries elected to the council for the new term. The other successful candidates included Zambia, Ghana, Burundi, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Nepal, Moldova and Ukraine.

Among the African candidates, Zambia received 177 votes, Ghana secured 173, Nigeria obtained 172, while Burundi received 160 votes.

The election gives Nigeria an opportunity to participate in international deliberations on human rights standards, alleged violations and measures aimed at improving the protection of fundamental freedoms across the world.

However, the process has attracted criticism from human rights organisations because the election was uncontested. Regional groups nominated exactly as many candidates as there were available seats, meaning there was no competitive ballot among rival candidates within the respective groups.

The UN Human Rights Council is an intergovernmental body based in Geneva, Switzerland. Established in 2006, it is mandated to address human rights violations, promote respect for fundamental freedoms and make recommendations to governments and the international community.

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The council comprises 47 member states elected by the UN General Assembly through a secret ballot. Its seats are allocated among five regional groups to ensure geographical representation, and members serve staggered three-year terms.

The body examines human rights situations in individual countries, conducts its Universal Periodic Review of UN member states and considers complaints and reports concerning alleged abuses. It can also appoint independent experts, establish commissions of inquiry and authorise fact-finding missions to investigate serious allegations.

Although the council plays an important role in international human rights oversight, it does not operate as a criminal court and cannot independently impose criminal sentences on individuals accused of abuses.

Nigeria’s election comes amid continuing international scrutiny of human rights conditions in several countries, including concerns about police conduct, accountability, freedom of expression and the treatment of vulnerable groups.

The selection of countries with contested human rights records has been criticised by advocacy organisations, which argue that uncontested elections can weaken accountability and reduce pressure on candidates to demonstrate their commitment to protecting fundamental rights.

The criticism has also raised questions about how elected countries will use their positions on the council to address allegations of abuses and support international human rights standards.

For Nigeria, membership offers a platform to contribute to debates on issues such as unlawful killings, torture, discrimination, the rights of women and children, freedom of expression and the protection of civilians during armed conflicts.

The country will also be expected to participate in council sessions, consider resolutions and engage with other member states on international human rights concerns.

Nigeria’s three-year membership begins in January 2027. Its performance on the council will be watched alongside its domestic human rights record, including how authorities address allegations of misconduct and strengthen accountability and protection for citizens.

The election is therefore both a diplomatic achievement for Nigeria and an opportunity for the country to demonstrate its commitment to the principles the council was established to uphold.

Nigeria Secures UN Human Rights Council Seat With 172 Votes

International

Houthi Missile Targeting Riyadh Shot Down as Debris Injures Four, Damages 15 Homes

Published

12 hours ago

October 14, 2026

Trends Admin

Houthi Missile Targeting Riyadh Shot Down as Debris Injures Four, Damages 15 Homes

Saudi Arabia’s air defences have intercepted and destroyed a Houthi ballistic missile targeting Riyadh, as debris from earlier missile interceptions injured four people and damaged about 15 residential homes in the Saudi capital.

The developments were announced on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, amid escalating attacks involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi armed group.

Major General Turki Al-Maliki, spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government, confirmed that a ballistic missile launched towards Riyadh had been intercepted and destroyed.

Saudi authorities subsequently lifted danger warnings issued for Riyadh and Al-Kharj Governorate through the country’s National Early Warning Platform, indicating that the immediate threat covered by those alerts had passed.

The missile interception came after loud explosions were heard over Riyadh late on Tuesday as Saudi air defences engaged incoming aerial threats.

According to the Saudi Civil Defence, debris from two previously intercepted cruise missiles fell on residential areas, injuring four people and causing material damage to approximately 15 homes.

The injured comprised two women, a man and a child. Authorities said the debris caused limited damage to the affected properties, while images released by Saudi officials showed damage inside residential buildings.

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Emergency services responded to the incident, and the relevant authorities implemented established safety procedures. The four injuries were attributed to falling missile fragments rather than a direct impact from the intercepted missiles.

The latest interception was part of a broader series of missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia. The Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting threats over Riyadh and other parts of the kingdom, including Dhahran and Al-Kharj.

Saudi officials also reported that three drones had been destroyed north of Riyadh on Tuesday.

In a separate incident, Saudi Arabia’s Energy Ministry confirmed that an administrative building belonging to state-owned oil giant Saudi Aramco in Dhahran, in the kingdom’s Eastern Province, was struck on Tuesday evening, causing what authorities described as a limited fire.

The ministry said there were no casualties from the fire. Reports indicated that the building was part of the Aramco headquarters complex, which houses offices associated with the company’s extensive oil and energy operations.

The Houthis have claimed attacks against Saudi strategic and energy facilities, including Aramco installations and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The latest developments have raised further concerns about the security of civilian areas and critical infrastructure across the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia has vowed to respond to attacks against its territory. The Saudi Cabinet, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, condemned the attacks and reaffirmed the kingdom’s commitment to protecting its security and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

The renewed confrontation has also prompted military action by the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. On Tuesday, the coalition announced operations targeting facilities it said were being used to support Houthi attacks. It issued warnings urging civilians to stay away from designated locations.

The Houthis, who control Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, have said their attacks are retaliation for Saudi military operations against them. The conflict has intensified after years of intermittent fighting and has increased concerns about the potential impact on regional stability, energy supplies and international shipping.

The latest missile interception in Riyadh underscores the continuing threat posed by missiles and drones in the conflict. Although the ballistic missile targeting the capital was destroyed, falling debris from earlier interceptions demonstrated the risks to residents even when air defences successfully engage incoming weapons.

Saudi authorities have not reported further casualties from the latest ballistic missile interception. The situation remains tense as the kingdom continues to monitor and respond to incoming aerial threats.

Houthi Missile Targeting Riyadh Shot Down as Debris Injures Four, Damages 15 Homes

International

Outrage as Israeli Settlers Torch Mosque, Burn Vehicle in Occupied West Bank

Published

14 hours ago

October 14, 2026

Trends Admin

Outrage as Israeli Settlers Torch Mosque, Burn Vehicle in Occupied West Bank

Israeli settlers have reportedly set fire to a mosque, a vehicle and an olive tree in a Palestinian village in the occupied West Bank, in an attack that has renewed concerns about violence against Palestinian communities and religious sites.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, October 14, 2026, when a group of settlers raided Mikhmas, also spelt Mukhmas, northeast of occupied Jerusalem.

According to the Palestinian news agency WAFA, the Jerusalem Governorate reported that dozens of settlers entered the village shortly after midnight and set fire to a mosque and a nearby olive tree. A vehicle was also completely burned during the attack.

Reports from the scene showed damage to the mosque’s entrance. No injuries were reported in the initial accounts of the incident.

Mohammed Kanaan, a member of Mikhmas’ municipal council, told Anadolu Agency that the attackers set fire to a prayer room and a vehicle at about 2 a.m. local time. He said residents alerted the relevant authorities and requested the intervention of firefighting crews.

Reports also indicated that nationalist and racist slogans were spray-painted on the mosque and other buildings in the village. The extent of the damage and whether anyone had been arrested in connection with the attack were not immediately clear.

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The attack adds to continuing concerns over Israeli settler violence in the occupied West Bank, where Palestinian residents have reported assaults, intimidation, property destruction and attacks on farmland.

The incident is particularly sensitive because it involved a Muslim place of worship. Religious sites and civilian property are protected under international humanitarian law, and deliberate attacks against them raise serious legal concerns.

The latest incident also comes amid the annual olive harvest, an important source of income for many Palestinian farming families. The Palestinian Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission said on Monday that it had documented 136 attacks linked to the olive harvest since the beginning of October. The reported incidents included beatings, intimidation, gunfire, theft of olives and farming equipment, and damage to trees.

The burning of the mosque in Mikhmas follows other reported arson attacks on mosques in the West Bank in recent months. In July, two mosques in the Palestinian villages of Qusra and Kour were set on fire following deadly clashes in the territory.

Reuters reported at the time that the Israeli military had confirmed evidence of arson and graffiti at the affected mosque sites and condemned attacks on religious places. The incidents prompted renewed calls for measures to prevent further attacks and hold those responsible accountable.

The wider situation in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory remains tense, with attacks by settlers and Israeli military operations contributing to insecurity for residents. Palestinian officials have repeatedly called for stronger protection of communities and accountability for attacks on civilians and their property.

The circumstances surrounding Wednesday’s mosque attack remain under investigation, and it was not immediately clear whether Israeli authorities had announced arrests or opened a formal inquiry.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns over the safety of Palestinian religious sites, homes and agricultural land, as calls grow for effective action against violence in the occupied West Bank.