US approves $785 mln bomb sale to UAE

The US State Department approved the sale of $785 million in bombs to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the campaign against Daesh militants in Syria and Iraq, the Pentagon said in a statement on Tuesday.

The sale includes 14,640 bombs and guidance kits, along with other munitions. The kits turn unguided bombs into precision munitions with navigation systems.

“These munitions will sustain the UAE’s efforts and support a key partner that remains an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East,” the statement said.

The UAE's Al Dhafra Air Base hosts about 3,500 US troops and fighter and reconnaissance aircraft used against the militants.

The UAE has participated in airstrikes against Daesh in Syria in the past; however, US officials have called on Gulf allies recently to expand their contributions to the campaign.

Lawmakers have 30 days to block the sale, although such action is unlikely since deals are carefully checked before a formal notification.

Write to Nadeshda Zareen at nadeshda.zareen@argaamplus.com