Saudi intelligence chief replaced by his deputy

By Reuters - Apr 15,2014 - Last updated at Apr 15,2014

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s intelligence chief, Prince Bandar Bin Sultan, the architect of Riyadh’s policy on Syria, has been removed from his post, a royal decree carried by state news agency SPA said on Tuesday.

Prince Bandar, a former ambassador to Washington, was appointed to the post in July 2012 and given the task of helping Syrian rebels fighting to bring down President Bashar Assad.

“Prince Bandar was relieved of his post at his own request and General Youssef Al Idrissi was asked to carry out the duties of the head of general intelligence,” SPA said.

It did not give any further details. Idrissi had been serving as Prince Bandar’s deputy.

Prince Bandar has been on medical leave since early this year and was reported to have undergone surgery in the United States and a convalescence period in Morocco.

Prince Bandar had warned of a “major shift” away from Washington in October after President Barack Obama, who visited Riyadh in March, decided against bombing Assad’s forces following a chemical weapons attack in Damascus.

Rate

Saudi Prince Bandar to resume intelligence post

Apr 07,2014

Saudi Prince Bandar Bin Sultan will return to the kingdom within days after spending around two months abroad for surgery and retake his position as intelligence chief, including control of the Syrian dossier, said Saudi security officials late Sunday.

Saudi king appoints new spy chief as regional crisis spreads

Jul 01,2014

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah has appointed Prince Khaled Bin Bandar as head of intelligence three months after his predecessor, who was in charge of efforts to support Syrian rebels against President Bashar Assad, was sacked.

Saudi king appoints son as governor of Riyadh province

May 14,2014

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah appointed his son as governor of Riyadh province on Wednesday in a move that strengthens his branch of the ruling dynasty as it approaches a difficult decision over how to transfer power to the next generation.