Saudi Arabia says Khashoggi died in Istanbul consulate

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Europe

00:34

Saudi Arabia confirmed on Saturday that its missing journalist Jamal Khashoggi was killed inside its consulate in Istanbul after a fight, the kingdom's state media reported.

This is the first time Saudi confirmed the death.

"The discussions between Jamal Khashoggi and those he met at the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul…devolved into a fistfight, leading to his death," the Saudi Press Agency said, citing the public prosecutor.

Eighteen Saudi nationals were held over the case as the investigations are still underway, Saudi's public prosecutor said, adding that royal court adviser Saud al-Qahtani and deputy intelligence chief Ahmed Asiri have been dismissed from their positions.

"The Kingdom affirms that all those involved will be brought to justice," the agency tweeted.

Following the announcement, Saudi King Salman has reportedly ordered the formation of a ministerial committee, headed by Crown Prince Mohammed, to restructure the intelligence services.

A policeman stands guard as an Indonesian journalist holds a placard during a protest over the disappearance of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in front of the Saudi Arabia embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia./ Reuters Photo

The White House also "acknowledged" the death confirmation, and said it would continue to "closely follow" all investigations and "advocate for justice."

It did not mention US action against the country.

The US President Donald Trump later told reporters that he prefers retribution - not including canceling arm sales - with Saudi Arabia if it's confirmed that the kingdom is behind the reporter's death.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also called for a "prompt, thorough, transparent" probe into the circumstances of the case and urged full accountability for those involved.