Saudi Arabia has detained three senior members of the country’s royal family – including the king’s brother – for unknown reasons, according to reports.
Prince Ahmed bin Abdulaziz, who is the younger brother of King Salman, and Mohammed bin Nayef, the king’s nephew, were detained, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The New York Times also reported the detentions, adding that Prince Nayef’s younger brother, Prince Nawaf bin Nayef, had also been detained.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, King Salman’s son and the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia has moved to consolidate power since ousting his cousin, Mohammed bin Nayef, as heir to the throne in a palace coup in 2017.
Prince Salman, who is a key ally of the United States, arrested several royals in an anti-corruption campaign later that year.
One source told The Wall Street Journal that the detentions took place on Friday, though the reason for the arrests is not known. The newspaper claims that the arrests related to an alleged coup attempt.
Prince Ahmed was one of only three people on the Allegiance Council, made up of the ruling Al Saud family’s senior members, who opposed Mohammed bin Salman becoming crown prince in 2017, sources have said.
Mohammed bin Nayef’s movements are alleged to have been restricted and monitored since then.
Sources have said some 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.
