Saudi King Dismisses Chief of Joint Staff and Other Senior Military Commanders

King Salman of Saudi Arabia dismissed the Chief of the Joint Staff of the military and several other senior military commanders on Monday, March 7. The official Saudi news agency reported that General Abdulrahman bin Saleh Al-Bunyan has been removed from his position, and Fayyad Al-Ruwaili has been appointed in his place. The report also states that the King has changed the commanders of the ground and air forces of the country. Several deputy ministers and mayors have also been replaced, with the most notable change being the appointment of Tamad bint Youssef Al-Ramah as Deputy Minister of Labor. The King has also appointed a number of princes as his advisors. The Ministry of Defense announced that its new military strategy has been approved by the King. The reports did not mention details or reasons for these changes. These changes come as Saudi Arabia's war with Houthi militants in Yemen approaches its third year. The ongoing conflict occurs while the United Nations has described the situation in Yemen as one of the most tragic humanitarian crises in the world. Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, also retains his position as Minister of Defense. In recent months, he has pursued changes in cultural and social areas, which are referred to as efforts by the Crown Prince to consolidate his power. The 'Anti-Corruption Committee' chaired by Mohammed bin Salman issued orders for the arrest of several princes, ministers, and a number of former officials last November. Critics of the Crown Prince say he uses this committee as a cover to suppress his opponents.