US approves sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia
The US on September 17 (local time) approved a $24.3 billion deal to sell 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, according to the US State Department. The deal aims to increase Riyadh's defense and deterrence capabilities, while improving coordination with US forces.
The US State Department has notified Congress of the deal, but has not specified the delivery time of the aircraft. Israel expressed concern about the deal, while a US senator protested due to the risk of China accessing F-35 technology. The deal needs US Congressional approval.
63 people killed in clashes between Yemen and Houthi
On September 17, military sources from both sides told AFP that fighting between Houthi forces and Yemeni government forces and Saudi Arabian allies has killed 63 people in the past 24 hours.
A government official said that at least 23 government soldiers were killed in missile and drone attacks by this Iranian-backed armed group in two southwestern provinces. Meanwhile, Houthi military sources reported that 40 gunmen were killed in Saudi Arabian airstrikes and ground combat.
Finland holds drills after submarine cable sabotage
Finland on September 17 (local time) held exercises in the Baltic Sea, in which police, border guards and military forces landed from helicopters on a ship, controlled the crew and searched the hold.
The drill prepares to respond to sabotage of underwater infrastructure, after power cable, telecommunications and gas pipeline breaks. Commander Ilja Iljin said this is a "new normal state". Authorities are preparing to respond to sabotage by divers, mini-submarines or explosive-carrying diving robots.
