Prince Mohammed bin Nayef named Saudi interior minister

King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, of Saudi Arabia, has appointed veteran assistant minister Prince Mohammed bin Nayef as minister of interior, the state media reported on Monday.

The appointment of Prince Mohammed came after his half-brother Prince Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz asked to be “relieved” from the position.

“Prince Ahmed is relieved of his position as interior minister at his own request and Prince Mohammed bin Nayef is appointed,” according to a royal decree carried on the Saudi Press Agency.

Prince Mohammed is the son of Prince Nayef, who served as the kingdom’s interior minister for decades until he died in June, and was replaced by Prince Ahmed, who was his deputy.

He is seen by Western countries as having spearheaded Saudi efforts to crush al-Qaeda in the kingdom.