Special to WorldTribune.com

ABU DHABI — Saudi Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz has left the
kingdom for what is said to be emergency medical treatment.

Salman, also defense minister, left Saudi Arabia on Aug. 10 for
an unspecified destination. A statement by the royal court said Salman was
on “special leave” and would conduct a private visit.

The surprise departure took place three days after Saudi King Abdullah replaced Salman’s deputy. Deputy Defense Minister Prince Fahd was replaced by the son of the late Crown Prince Sultan, Prince Salman.

Arab diplomatic sources said the crown prince’s departure had been expected.

The sources said he has been suffering from declining health, including dementia, and was no longer making major decisions. Most Saudi leaders have been treated in the United States.

“This is probably a case in which Salman could be quietly and unofficially retired because he can’t really understand what is going on around him,” a diplomat said. “It is similar to what happened to previous Saudi leaders who suffered from dementia.”

  Ailing Saudi crown prince suddenly takes ‘special leave’, Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, King Abullah, Prince Fahd