The United States announced sanctions on 17 Saudis today for their alleged involvement in the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2.
Notably, the list of designees does not include Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, commonly known by his initials MBS, who the Donald Trump administration has cultivated as a key ally in its Middle East endeavors. Nor does it include MBS’ handpicked deputy intelligence chief, Gen. Ahmed al-Asiri, who previously served as the spokesman for the Saudi-led military coalition fighting in Yemen.
