Mattis warns Khashoggi's murder "must concern us all greatly"

CBS / AFP / AP

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis warned Saturday at a forum on the Middle East that the assassination of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul "must concern us all immensely".

Quoting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Mattis said at a security conference in Bahrain that the United States "does not tolerate this kind of ruthless action aimed at silencing Mr. Khashoggi, a journalist, by violence ".

"Keeping in mind our collective interests of peace and the unfailing respect for human rights, the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi in a diplomatic establishment must concern us all," added Mr. Mattis. .

"Non-compliance with international standards and the rule of law by a country undermines regional stability at a time when it is indispensable."

Khashoggi, a columnist for the Washington Post, was murdered after going to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2nd.

Thursday, Director of the CIA, Gina Haspel briefed President Trump on the latest developments in the investigation after an investigation mission to Turkey. Haspel heard the alleged sound that was allegedly killed by Jamal Khashoggi, according to Turkey. Two sources told CBS News.

The assassination of Khashoggi caused an international scandal and undermined relations with Riyadh. The United States hopes that Saudi Arabia can help counter Tehran's influence in the Middle East.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known as MBS, denounced the "disgusting" murder, denying any involvement. Saudi leaders have pushed responsibility into the chain of command.

Earlier this week, Mr. Trump called the case "one of the worst cover-ups in the history of cover-ups. "

Late Tuesday, the United States declared that they revoke visas of 21 Saudi suspects in the Khashoggi case, Britain followed suit on Wednesday.

Mattis told the conference that further action would follow.

"We will maintain our" two imperatives, "said Secretary of State Pompeo, to protect America and hold those responsible for the killing to account," he told the panel. "Our Secretary of State has already canceled visas and will take additional measures."

Turkey calls on Saudi Arabia to extradite the 18 Saudis it has arrested as a result of the killing of Khashoggi. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who blamed the Saudi government directly, said the 18 suspects should know who killed Khashoggi and reiterated his call for men to be tried in Turkey.

He urged Riyadh to reveal who ordered the killing and where Khashoggi's body was. "You have to show this body," said Erdogan. "Unless otherwise stated, Saudi Arabia will not be safe from this suspicion."

A Saudi diplomat said Saturday that the global outcry and the media were focusing on the killing of a Saudi journalist earlier this month has become "hysterical". And he urged the public to wait for the results of an investigation before blaming the highest authorities in the kingdom.

Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post editorial criticizes Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was killed by Saudi agents at the Kingdom's consulate in Istanbul on October 2nd.

"This question has become quite hysterical," said Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir. "I think people are blaming Saudi Arabia with such certainty before the end of the investigation."