Saudi's King Abdullah in Morocco on 'special leave'

RIYADH // Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah is in Morocco on what's described as "special leave" as the country's affairs are being run by the No 2 to the throne.

The official Saudi Press Agency gave no other details about the trip or any possible health issues with the 88-year-old monarch.

The agency called the trip both a "special leave" and "private holiday".

King Abdullah hosted a gathering of Islamic countries earlier this month and has kept a steady schedule of meetings before his departure late last night for Morocco, where the Saudi royal family has a palace compound.

A royal decree placed Crown Prince Salman in charge of Saudi affairs during the king's absence.

On Sunday, Saudi officials said they uncovered "terrorist" cells plotting attacks in Riyadh, the capital.