World

Denmark And Finland Freeze Future Arms Sales To Saudi Arabia

Many countries are reevaluating arms deals with Saudi Arabia after the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Denmark And Finland Freeze Future Arms Sales To Saudi Arabia
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Denmark and Finland are the latest European countries to freeze new arms exports to Saudi Arabia.

Both countries cited the conflict in Yemen in their decisions. But Denmark also said it was freezing new deals over the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

The United Nations calls the war in Yemen "the world's worst humanitarian crisis." The organization says three-quarters of the population are in need of humanitarian aid and protection.

The move from Denmark and Finland comes less than a week after Germany's economic ministry announced it's blocking all weapons sales to the kingdom. Germany halted new arms sales in October, but not previously existing deals. 

CNN reports some of Saudi Arabia's biggest weapons suppliers include the U.S., U.K., France, Spain and Germany. France, so far, has sanctioned 18 Saudi citizens linked to Khashoggi's murder, but hasn't implemented anything related to arms deals.

But the U.K. and Spain have decided not to freeze their Saudi weapons sales, despite calls to stop conducting business with the country over the journalist's death.

And U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly said the U.S. will continue to stand behind Saudi Arabia.

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.