The families of three American soldiers who were killed and 13 others who were injured in a 2019 Saudi military shooting at the base in Florida have sued Saudi Arabia for damages, Reuters reported.

The lawsuit alleges that Saudi Arabia was aware of the criminal's radicalization and could have prevented the killings.

Shortly after the attack on December 6, 2019, the King of Saudi Arabia, Salman bin Abdulaziz, condemned the heinous crime and said that the perpetrator does not represent the Saudi people.

The attack left three American sailors killed. According to the US Attorney General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) later found evidence of a connection between the criminal, Junior Lieutenant Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani, with the al-Qaeda group.

Alshamrani was stationed at the base as part of a US Navy training program designed to strengthen ties with foreign allies.

The administration of US President Joe Biden has announced a tougher stance on Saudi Arabia after a largely warm relationship between former President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Biden, who took office last month, announced an end to US support for the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen and demanded an end to the war in Yemen.

The Biden White House is also pressuring Saudi Arabia to improve its human rights record, including the release of political prisoners.