Saudi allies rush to hail admission of Khashoggi murder amid widespread scepticism

Saudi Arabia's allies and clients have rushed to hail the kingdom for its admission of the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi despite widespread scepticism over the official narrative of the killing.

The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt, and the Saudi-backed government of Yemen have all issued statements through their official news agencies praising the admission that Khashoggi was killed inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate.

"The UAE hails decisions taken by Saudi Arabia on Khashoggi case," state news agency WAM said.

On Saturday, Riyadh announced the arrest of 18 Saudis and the sacking of two top aides of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as part of its probe into the killing.

The move has been widely seen as an attempt to scapegoat the officials and cover up Prince Mohammed's likely role in Khashoggi's murder.

Bahrain similarly hailed the measures, saying they were aimed at "attaining justice and reveal the truth in the utmost impartiality and objectivity".

Egypt said they prove "the kingdom's keenness and commitment to reach the truth".

Before Saturday's admission, the close allies to kingdom all issued statements condemning reports that a team of Saudi agents murdered and dismembered Khashoggi at the Istanbul consulate.

After 17 days of vehement denials, the kingdom's claim that the journalist was killed in a "brawl and fist fight" - without revealing the whereabouts of his body - has fallen on sceptical ears around the world.

It is widely believed that the official narrative is aimed at shifting the responsibility away from the powerful crown prince, whose position so far appears unshaken.