Reports indicate that King Salman of Saudi Arabia issued an order for extensive changes in the country's security and intelligence institutions on Thursday, July 20. According to Reuters, based on the king's decree, a new security entity has been established that will oversee all activities of the country's security and anti-terrorism agencies. This new entity is named the 'National Security Presidency' and will operate like a ministry. King Salman has appointed Abdulaziz Al-Huwairini as the minister of this ministry. These changes come after last month's shift in the country's crown prince position, where Mohammed bin Nayef, the king's nephew known for his actions against Al-Qaeda, stepped down, and Mohammed bin Salman, the king's son, replaced him. According to Reuters, King Salman also issued several other changes in the country's security and military institutions on Thursday. The report states that the head of the royal guard has also changed, with Suhail Al-Mutairi appointed as the new head of this force. A series of decrees regarding these changes have been published by the Saudi state news agency. One part of the decree states that these changes are aimed at addressing security challenges and enhancing resilience, readiness, and responsiveness in emergencies. Reuters notes that while the security and intelligence sections of the Ministry of Interior are being merged into the new ministry, the former crown prince had headed these sections until last month. According to the report, King Salman has also promoted the head of the crown prince's office to the position of minister of defense. An analyst on Saudi issues told Reuters that reforms in Saudi Arabia's security and intelligence apparatus should have been implemented much earlier, but these changes will restrict the Ministry of Interior's powers and increase the king's authority. Reuters had previously reported on the dimensions of the power shift in Saudi Arabia. Citing statements from several Saudi officials and sources close to the former crown prince, Reuters published a report on how power is being transferred in Riyadh, while also stating that the current king is preparing to hand over the throne to his young son, Mohammed bin Salman.
Saudi King Issues Order for Changes in the Country's Security Institutions
King Salman of Saudi Arabia has ordered significant changes in the country's security institutions, establishing a new National Security Presidency and appointing Abdulaziz Al-Huwairini as its minister. These changes follow the recent shift in crown prince positions, with Mohammed bin Salman now in charge, indicating a consolidation of power within the monarchy. This restructuring is crucial for addressing security challenges and enhancing the king's authority.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
King Salman has ordered major reforms in Saudi Arabia's security institutions, creating a new National Security Presidency and appointing a new minister. This restructuring follows the recent change in crown prince, consolidating power within the monarchy.
- A new security entity, the National Security Presidency, has been established.
- Abdulaziz Al-Huwairini has been appointed as the minister overseeing this new entity.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Saudi Arabia has been undergoing significant political and economic reforms under Mohammed bin Salman, aimed at modernizing the kingdom and reducing its dependency on oil.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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