BEIRUT, LEBANON (1:00 A.M.) – The initial Saudi investigation into the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi has found that he is dead, Saudi-based Al-Ekhrabiya reported.

According to the report, the Saudi investigators are probing at least 18 suspects; they are all Saudi nationals.

Furthermore, King Salman has dismissed the Deputy Intelligence Chief General Ahmed Al-Assir, along with Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman’s closest aide Saud Al-Qahtani.

Khashoggi was reportedly killed after a fight broke out inside the Saudi Consulate; his body is still missing.

The Saudi government is still investigating the case in coordination with the the Turkish state, the report added.