Saudi arrests king’s relatives for coup attempt

Saudi Arabia has detained two senior members of the royal family: Prince Ahmed bin Abdulaziz, the younger brother of King Salman, and Mohammed bin Nayef, the king’s nephew.

According to reports, Prince Ahmed bin Abdulaziz, the king’s younger brother, and Mohammed bin Nayef, the king’s nephew, were accused of a coup plot.

The two royals, who were detained on Friday March 6th,2020, were alleged to have attempted a coup to overthrow the King.

“Prince Mohammed, also known as MBS, has fuelled resentment among some prominent branches of the ruling family by tightening his grip on power and some question his ability to lead following the 2018 murder of prominent journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents and a major attack on Saudi oil infrastructure last year,” a source said.

It was also gathered that royals seeking to change the line of succession view Prince Ahmed, King Salman’s only surviving full brother, as a possible choice who would have support of family members, the security apparatus and some Western powers.

“The family is unlikely to oppose the crown prince while the 84-year-old king remains alive, recognising that he is unlikely to turn against his favourite son,” Saudi insiders and Western diplomats said.

The monarch has delegated most responsibilities of rule to his son but still presides over weekly cabinet meetings and receives foreign dignitaries.