MADRID — Shipbuilders are blocking roads in southern Spain amid fears that Saudi Arabia could scrap a $2.1 billion-purchase of warships in retaliation to a move by Madrid to halt a shipment of bombs to Riyadh.

The new center-left Spanish government said earlier this week that it was not planning to deliver the 400 laser-guided precision bombs over worries they may be used to target civilians in Yemen.

Spain cancels bombs sale to Saudi Arabia amid Yemen concerns
Spain cancels bombs sale to Saudi Arabia amid Yemen concerns

As a longtime commercial ally of Saudi Arabia Spain is the fourth-largest provider of military equipment and weapons to the Gulf state.

By: Aritz Parra

Formal cancellation of the order, which dates back to 2015, is expected at a ministers meeting this month.

Saudi diplomats in Madrid declined to comment on whether that could lead to Riyadh canceling a July deal to buy five navy corvettes from Spanish company Navantia.

Jesus Peralta, a Navantia workers union leader, says 6,000 direct jobs over 4-1/2 years could be at stake.