Saudi king’s bodyguard killed!
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (PNN) - September 29, 2019 - For the second time in a month the Yemeni forces aligned with the Houthi surrounded and captured brigade size forces of Saudi soldiers and mercenaries. The Houthi media report that 2,400 fighters and several hundred vehicles were captured. The reports say that 500 Saudi soldiers were killed. Several hundred Saudi prisoners were led away from the front. Most of the prisoners seem to be poor men that the Saudis had hired. Only a few have complete uniforms.
The events happened north of Kitaf near the Saudi Yemeni border and at least partially in the Najran region within Saudi Arabia. Overnight some ten short range ballistic missiles were launched from Yemen against the airport of Al Jadhea in Saudi Arabia.
The personal bodyguard of Saudi King Salman - Abdulaziz al-Faghem - has been killed. The official claim is that it was during a personal dispute. Conveniently, the shooter is also dead. But there is more behind this. He was dismissed from his post just days ago, which makes his death extremely suspicious.
Al-Faghem was seen a few days ago walking alone, which is not consistent with his job. He doesn’t ever leave the side of the king and sleeps at the palace after the king goes to bed.
AlFaghem had many secrets and had served since as personal guard of King Abdullah from 2002. This made him a threat to current regime given he supervised the palace guards who murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
It seems likely that this was a political murder.
After the recent attack on the oil installation the Houthi had offered a ceasefire. But the Saudis only wanted a “partial” one, which the Houthi rejected.
Crown prince Mohamed bin Salman may have removed his father's bodyguard to make it easier for himself to take the throne. The recent Yemeni attack on a Saudi oil installation and the defeat of at least two brigades of Saudi troops must put a lot of pressure on him. MbS is the Defense Minister. He started the war on Yemen. He must fear for his job and position. With the king removed he would become unassailable.