Special to WorldTribune.com
ABU DHABI — Saudi Arabia’s new king has launched a purge of the sons of his predecessor.
Saudi King Salman has reshuffled the Cabinet and government in what appeared to be directed against his late brother. On Jan. 29, Salman ordered the dismissal of several sons of the late King Abdullah, who died on Jan. 23.
Under the decree, Salman fired Abdullah’s sons, Turki and Mishaal, appointed governors of the Riyad and Mecca provinces in 2014. The king, however, retained Abdullah’s leading son, Miteb, as national guard minister.
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The purge also included senior officials appointed by Abdullah. Saudi intelligence director Prince Khaled and National Security Adviser Prince Bandar Bin Sultan were fired. Both played a leading role in the Sunni revolt in Syria.
At the same time, Salman, who also ordered a significant salary increase for civil servants, continued to place his sons into senior positions. One son, Abdul Aziz, was named deputy oil minister.
The king’s 35-year-old son, Mohammed, has already been appointed defense minister. Mohammed was expected to clash with Miteb for budgets and authority.
Saudi shakeup: New king purges Abdullah’s sons from key security posts added by World Tribune on
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