Saudi king creates new agency to handle counter-terrorism

FILE- This June 6, 2017 file photo released by Saudi Press Agency, SPA, shows Saudi King Salman,  in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia's state TV said Thursday, July 20, 2017, that Salman has ordered the arrest of a young, low-level prince after video emerged online purporting to show him abusing someone. The arrest was made Wednesday morning, a day after a video was published on YouTube showing what appears to be a rifle pointed toward a man who is bleeding from the head and pleading. (Saudi Press Agency via AP, File)
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Saudi Arabia's King Salman on Thursday ordered the creation of a new, cabinet-level security apparatus to handle a range of matters including counter-terrorism that were previously under the interior ministry.

In a series of royal decrees published by the state news agency, the king appointed Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Al Howairini to head the new body.

The decrees also saw the appointment of Mohammed El Kuwaiz as head of the Saudi Arabian Capital Markets Authority.

King Salman on Thursday also issued a royal order promoting 86 judges and appointing 50 judges at the ministry of justice at various ranks, the Saudi Press Agency reported.