The Saudi King removed him from office on Saturday less than two-months after he was appointed.

The royal decree said Prince Khalid was being relieved of his post on the recommendation of Defense Minister Crown Prince Salman, without giving any reason for the order.

It was believed that the Saudi Prince was supporting extremist Takfiri terrorists in Iraq and Syria.

The decree also refrained from saying Prince Khalid had asked to be relieved of his post, which is the traditional formula used when unexpected government changes arise.

Prince Khalid was appointed deputy defense minister in May after King Abdullah relieved him of his post as governor of Riyadh province and appointed Prince Turki, his son, in his place.

Prince Bandar is one of the eldest surviving sons of King Abdulaziz, the founder of the Saudi kingdom.

The Saudi king, who is over 90 years old, has made a series of changes and appointments over the last two years that have strengthened the position of his allies in the family.

Most recently he appointed Prince Muqrin, the youngest of King Abdulaziz's surviving sons, as deputy crown prince, making him next in line to the throne after King Abdullah and Crown Prince Salman.

NTJ/HH