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Saudi spy chief relieved of his post by royal order

A Saudi royal order was issued Tuesday to relieve Prince Bandar Bin Sultan from his position as Chief of General Intelligence. The order was reportedly given at Prince Bandar's request. He has been on medical leave since early this year.

By JC Finley
U.S. President George W. Bush meets with Saudi Arabian Ambassador Prince Bandar bin Sultan at the Bush Ranch in Crawford, Texas on Aug. 27, 2002. (jg/White House Photo by Eric Draper/UPI)
U.S. President George W. Bush meets with Saudi Arabian Ambassador Prince Bandar bin Sultan at the Bush Ranch in Crawford, Texas on Aug. 27, 2002. (jg/White House Photo by Eric Draper/UPI) | License Photo

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, April 16 (UPI) -- Prince Bandar Bin Sultan was removed from his position as Chief of General Intelligence on Tuesday following a royal decree.

According to the Saudi press, the royal order was issued at Prince Bandar's request.

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General Yousef Bin Ali Al-Idrisi, who had served as Prince Bandar's deputy since 2012, was appointed as his replacement.

Prince Bandar previously served as Saudi ambassador to Washington and was appointed Chief of General Intelligence in July 2012. Since early 2014, the prince was on medical leave.

It is unclear what medical condition the prince was suffering from although there was some speculation by a source who spoke to Al Arabyia News in March that it was related to a shoulder injury and recover from a subsequent "delicate surgery."

[Saudi Gazette] [Al Arabiya News]

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