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June 30, 2014 / 11:10 AM

Saudi Arabia sacks fourth deputy defense minister in 15 months

Prince Khaled bin Bandar was relieved of his duties as deputy defense minister on Saturday. The royal decree lacked the customary line that the personnel change was "upon his request," fueling speculation that there had been a power struggle.

Saudi King Abdullah, pictured in 2010. (UPI/Roger L. Wollenberg)

Saudi King Abdullah, pictured in 2010. (UPI/Roger L. Wollenberg) | License Photo

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, June 30 (UPI) -- Saudi Arabia fired its deputy defense minister on Saturday, the fourth deputy to be replaced in less than 15 months.

King Abdullah issued a royal decree that, based on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's recommendation, Prince Khaled bin Bandar was being relieved of his duties as deputy defense minister.

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The royal decree lacked the customary line that the personnel change was "upon his request," fueling speculation that there had been a power struggle between Prince Khaled and Prince Mohammed.

Prince Khaled had been in the position for only 45 days.

The deputy defense minister's removal comes amid concern about spillover from the deteriorating security situation in neighboring Iraq. On June 26, the state-run SPA news agency reported that Saudi Arabia had gone on high alert.

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