Smoking and drinking, hit squad celebrated in taxi

Members of the Saudi hit squad accused of murdering Jamal Khashoggi were “cheerful” and drank alcohol in celebration.

Murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Picture: AP

Members of the Saudi hit squad accused of murdering Jamal Khashoggi at the Istanbul consulate were “cheerful” and drank ­alcohol in celebration as they returned home after the journalist’s death, according to their Turkish driver.

Speaking to Turkish media, the driver said he had taken part of the assassination team — including a senior intelligence officer close to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman — to and from the airport and the consulate, where Khashoggi was killed on October 2.

“They were very cheerful. They smoked and drank alcohol in the car,” he told A Haber, a pro-government broadcaster.

It was clear the men thought they had got away with it. Now, nearly four weeks after the murder, it seems as if the prince might have done so, too.

Even as Turkey calls for the extradition of 15 suspects it believes were part of the squad sent to kill Khashoggi — as well as three consulate staff — there is fading hope that justice will be served.

The Saudi Foreign Minister, Adel al-Jubeir, said yesterday those behind the killing would be investigated in the kingdom, which would take time.

Few believe the Saudis will ultimately hand over their suspects to Turkey.

Rather, analysts see a continued attempt by the Turks to ratchet up pressure on them to the point where a deal can be made involving Ankara, Washington and Riyadh, bringing the matter to an end. “There is no expectation that anyone is playing by the rules,” said a Western diplomat in the region.

Behind closed doors, plans for a grand bargain to provide a satisfactory explanation for Khashoggi’s death are being discussed.

The Americans, officials say, have been discussing options with Turkey that would allow them to back off the Saudis without ­appearing to give in.

“Everyone wants this to end,” said a source close to the negoti­ations in Turkey. “The Turks, the Americans and the Saudis, no one wants it to continue.”

The Saudi Attorney-General was scheduled to arrive in Turkey last night to hold talks with investigators looking into the slaying of Khashoggi.

Turkey has said Saudi Arabia’s top prosecutor, Saud al-Mojeb, is expected to discuss the latest findings of the investigation with Turkish investigators.

There has been no announcement by the Saudis about the visit, which comes just days after CIA director Gina Haspel was in ­Turkey to review evidence before briefing US President Donald Trump at the weekend.

The Sunday Times