Saudi Arabia Sacks Coalition Commander, Orders Investigation into “Suspicious Financial Dealings”

The Saudi King today sacked the Joint Forces Commander of the Saudi led coalition in Yemen, Lieutenant General Fahd bin Turki bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, referred him to retirement and ordered an investigation into “suspicious financial dealings” under his watch.

The King also sacked the Deputy Emir of Al-Jouf region, Prince Abdulaziz bin Fahd bin Turki bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and referred him to investigation along with a number of officers and civilian employees in the Ministry of Defense for investigation, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The sacking was based on what was referred by the Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense to the Supervision and Anti-Corruption Authority regarding suspicious financial transactions in the Ministry of Defence, the SPA statement said.

 These transactions were monitored in the Ministry of Defense and what was submitted by the Anti-Corruption Authority about the existence of financial corruption in the ministry, and its connection with Lieutenant General Fahd bin Turki Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Fahd bin Turki bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and a number of officers and civil servants and others.

The SPA said the  King’s order assigned Lieutenant General Mutlaq bin Salem bin Mutlaq Alazim the Deputy Chief of the General Staff to carry out the work of the Joint Forces Commander.

“The Control and Anti-Corruption Commission will also complete the investigation procedures with all military and civilians related to this (case), take the necessary legal measures against them, and raise the results reached,” the SPA reported.

Lieutenant General Fahd was the joint forces commander of the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen at a time when the coalition has been criticized abroad for causing significant collateral damage. However, at home, the coalition has come under fire for not meeting its objectives of dislodging the Houti rebels despite billions spent in years of fighting.

The action is also seen as part of a continuing purge by Crown Prince Salman to consolidate his position in the ministry of defence and also getting rid of potential rivals to the throne. Lieutenant General Fahd is the father of Prince Abdulaziz and the son of  Prince Turki, a powerful faction within the Saudi Royal family opposed to Prince Salman.