Prince Khalid bin Salman, the Saudi Arabian ambassador to the U.S., departed Washington, D.C. last week and does not intend to return, The New York Times reported Monday.
According to a current and former U.S. official who spoke to the Times, it is unknown when Khalid, the crown prince’s younger brother, will be replaced or who will take his post.
The move is just the latest response to the missing Washington Post journalist whom Turkish officials claim was killed and dismembered inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul earlier this month. Companies have taken retaliatory steps against Saudi Arabia by pulling out of an upcoming investment conference.
According to the Times, Prince Mohammed bin Salman was surprised by the backlash the country has received over Jamal Khashoggi’s disappearance. Saudi officials, including the King, have denied any knowledge of Khashoggi’s whereabouts and have refuted the murder accusations.
Several news outlets reported on Monday that Saudi officials may admit that Khashoggi was killed during a botched interrogation.
