Saudi Arabia restructures its cabinet
A royal decree via state television announced major changes among the world's biggest oil exporter's authorities on Wednesday
Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz moved to consolidate his position in the Middle Eastern monarchy overnight.
The monarch replaced his half-brother and the country's crown prince and deputy prime minister Muqrin bin Abdulaziz of their duties and appointed his nephew, the country's interior minister, Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, as his new heir.
He also named his son, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as deputy crown prince, placing him second in the succession line.
Muqrin was at the head of the coalition of countries carrying out military operations in Yemen against the Houthi rebels who tried to overthrow the country's government.
Read more: Saudi Arabia to announce the end of operation 'Decisive Storm' in Yemen
The royal decree was announced via state television on Wednesday, where bin Abdulaziz stated that this decision had been approved by a majority of the Allegiance Council, the body which decides on succession issues.
The country's Foreign Affairs Minister since 1975 Prince Saud al-Faisal was also relieved of his duties and substituted by the current ambassador to the US Adel al Jubeir.
State-owned oil company Aramco's chief executive officer (CEO) Khaled al-Faleh will be named as the country's health minister as well as the company's chairman.
Among the other changes carried out, Minister Adel al-Fakieh was chosen to lead the ministry of economy and planning, while the labour ministry was given to Mufrej al-Haqbani.
Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi was confirmed in his post.
Saudi Arabia recently joined the US-led coalition that is bombing Islamic State's militants in Iraq and Syria, and continues in Yemen with the operation “Restoring Hope", focused on internal security and counter-terrorism.
You may also enjoy reading:
Oil and gold up, cotton market strengthens