Arab Saudi —
The United States on Monday expressed concern about a Human Rights Watch report alleging that Saudi border officers killed hundreds of Ethiopian migrants and urged a full investigation.
“We have raised our concerns about these allegations with the Saudi government,” a US State Department spokeswoman said.
“We urge the Saudi authorities to carry out a thorough and transparent investigation and also fulfill their obligations under international law.”
The US State Department said the land border officers involved in the report received neither US government funding nor training.
The United States is a long-standing security partner for the oil-producing nation, despite strained relations over human rights issues, with President Joe Biden’s administration criticizing the kingdom while seeking cooperation.
In its report, Human Rights Watch said Saudi border officers rained gunfire on Ethiopian migrants as they try to cross from Yemen, killing hundreds of them each year.
Earlier, a Saudi government source called the accusations “baseless.” (rd/hr)
