Saudis confirm Jamal Khashoggi's death; top military official dismissed, 18 Saudis detained in probe

The Saudi government today says its initial investigation shows that journalist Jamal Khashoggi [photo above] “has died.” A Saudi prosecutor confirmed his death late Friday U.S. time.

A probe involving some 18 suspects continues, and the Saudi King dismissed the kingdom's deputy intelligence chief, al-Assiri.

Saudi Prosecutor says a heated discussion happened in the Saudi Consul in Istanbul between Jamal Khashoggi and people at the embassy who saw him. The prosecutor explained today that this encounter turned into a fist fight, which resulted in Khashoggi's death.

This is, of course, a lie.

BREAKING: #Saudi Prosecutor says heated discussion happened in Consul in Istanbul between Jamal #Khashoggi and people who saw him, turned into quarrel, fist fighting which led to his death https://t.co/0hgPtAZRlw

— Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) October 19, 2018

BREAKING: #Saudi Authorities confirm death of writer Jamal Khashoggi. Prosecutor announced arrest of 18 people, all are Saudis, in the case. It says death occurred after a quarrel at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul.

Developing... pic.twitter.com/AmD5JI85mu

— The National (@TheNationalUAE) October 19, 2018

#breaking
• Saudi says initial investigation shows @JKhashoggi has “died”
• probe continues of 18 suspects
• Saudi king dismisses deputy intelligence chief al-Assiri.
• Saudi king dismisses MBS’s closest aide, who oversees the kingdom’s propaganda abroad Saud al-Qahtani pic.twitter.com/kQXiqVgNSt

— Hassan Hassan (@hxhassan) October 19, 2018

HUGE: #Saudi Dismisses MBS adviser Saud Al Qahtani from position https://t.co/ZEYuaUAi97

— Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) October 19, 2018

BREAKING: #Saudi is investigating/arrested 18 Suspects in #Khashoggi case. All Saudis https://t.co/ljlBiU9FcQ

— Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) October 19, 2018

BREAKING: #Saudi prosecutor confirms death of Jamal #Khashoggi https://t.co/E583fG7zlD

— Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) October 19, 2018

BREAKING: New #Saudi Decrees Remove Maj. General Ahmed Assiri from Position as Deputy Chief of Intelligence and Adviser Saud Al Qahtani from Their Positions.

Developing... pic.twitter.com/kviOpVvexb

— The National (@TheNationalUAE) October 19, 2018

HUGE: #Saudi Dismisses MBS adviser Saud Al Qahtani from position https://t.co/ZEYuaUAi97

— Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) October 19, 2018