THE United States has approved more than $5 billion (£4.1bn) in arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, just weeks after President Joe Biden’s trip to the region. 

The State Department said on Tuesday the bumper weapons deal will “support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region.”

Riyadh has used US-supplied weapons and tactical military support to bomb Yemen to oblivion in a bid to restore the reactionary President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, who was ousted in a popular Houthi-led uprising in 2015. 

It has resulted in a humanitarian catastrophe which has seen nearly 400,000 people killed and a further 17 million condemned to starvation.

Some 250,000 missiles have been fired since the Saudi-led bombing campaign began seven years ago. 

On the domestic front, Saudi Arabia’s commitment to democracy has been undermined by the continued beheadings of its citizens, including children. 

In March 81 men were killed in the biggest single mass execution in recent years drawing widespread condemnation. 

Saudi Arabia will buy 300 Patriot MIM-104E missile systems and related equipment for an estimated $3.05bn (£2.5bn) under the arms deal.

“The proposed sale will improve the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s capability to meet current and future threats by replenishing its dwindling stock of Patriot GEM-T missiles,” the US State Department said. 

Washington will sell Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) System Missiles and related equipment to the UAE for $2.25bn (£1.84bn).

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of an important regional partner. The UAE is a vital US partner for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East,” a statement added. 

Although the weapons are deemed to be defensive, their sale may yet be opposed by Congress.

But the Biden administration is reportedly considering lifting a ban on the sale of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia.

Mr Biden’s pre-election commitment to make Saudi Arabia “a pariah” has been jettisoned as he urges Riyadh to increase oil production to drive down prices amid a ban on Russian gas supplies.