Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz has announced a major cabinet reshuffle on Thursday.

The chief of intelligence and the head of the national security council have both been replaced.

The governor of Mecca and the governor of the capital Riyadh were replaced as were several senior religious officials.

Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi, Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal and Finance Minister Ibrahim al-Assaf remain in the cabinet.

Interior Minister Prince Mohammed bin Nayef was appointed deputy crown prince, making him second in line to the throne.

Top officials from the Ports Authority, the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the conservative Islamic kingdom's religious police were among those let go.

The new appointments came a week after Salman acceded to the throne following the death of King Abdullah.

Photo Credit: Arabianeye-Reuters