Wednesday, October 5 2005 12:31 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: The US defence department has notified Congress of its intent to sell USD 2.1 billion worth of arms to Saudi Arabia.

They include tactical display terminals, aircraft maintenance, 144 armoured personnel carriers, 52 command and control vehicles, 3,600 assault rifles, 12 water cannon vehicles and other items.

This assistance would "serve to make a key regional ally and partner in the global war on terror more capable of defeating those who threaten regional stability," department sources said.