The sale intends to bolster Saudi air defence systems as the kingdom risks escalation with the Iran-backed Houthis.

The US approved the possible sale of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems to Saudi Arabia in a deal worth $1.96 billion, the State Department said on

Announcement comes as war with Iran has led to strikes on US interests in both countries and others in region.

WASHINGTON -- The US State Department on Wednesday approved the sale of weapons worth an estimated 1.96 billion US dollars to Saudi Arabia.