The Saudi monarch has removed interior minister Prince Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz from his post and replaced him with veteran assistant minister Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, state media said Monday.

King Abdullah removed his half-brother from the position "upon his request," Al-Ekhbariya television reported, citing a royal decree.

Prince Mohammed is the son of Prince Nayef, who served as the kingdom's interior minister for decades until he died in June, and was replaced by Prince Ahmed, who was his deputy.