SAUDI Arabia has warned it will respond to any “threats” against it following president Donald Trump’s warning of “severe punishment” over the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
But both the White House and the kingdom are under mounting pressure as concern grows over the fate of the Washington Post contributor, who has not been seen since he entered the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on October 2.
“The kingdom affirms its total rejection of any threats and attempts to undermine it, whether through economic sanctions, political pressure or repeating false accusations,” the statement said.
“The kingdom also affirms that if it is [targeted by] any action, it will respond with greater action.”
Turkish officials say they fear Saudi agents killed and dismembered Khashoggi after he entered the consulate, saying they have audio and video recordings of it that they have not released.
The kingdom has called the allegations “baseless”, but has offered no evidence the writer ever left the consulate.
Yesterday, Trump told CBS’ 60 Minutes show that the consequences of Saudi Arabia being involved would be “severe”.
He added he would be meeting with Khashoggi’s family.
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