An attempted COUP is in progress in Saudi Arabia right now (6:19 PM EDT). A plot to overthrow Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has been interrupted, but gunfire has now erupted in the Capital city of Riyadh.
As of right now, ARREST WARRANTS have been issued to take into custody at least 11 Saudi Princes (inside the Royal Family) and 38 other Ministers and high government officials - on initial charges of "Corruption."
By Royal Decree, the King of Saudi Arabia has relieved from power the Minister of State, the Minister for Economy and Planning, the Chief of the Saudi National Guard as well as the Commander of the Naval Forces!
Among those arrested is Al-Waleed bin Talal, the richest man in Saudi Arabia . . . who has a major stake in Citigroup. Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal's major investments include Twitter & Lyft, and he is a majority owner of Four Seasons hotels along w/ Bill Gates
This is a MAJOR developing story, with very serious implications for regional stability and the free flow of oil at market prices from the Middle East.
Check back for updates . . . .
UPDATE 6:30 PM EDT --
In a shocking development, Saudi press Al Mayadeen reported late on Saturday that prominent billionaire, member of the royal Saudi family, and one of the biggest shareholders of Citi, News Corp. and Twitter - not to mention frequent CNBC guest - Al-Waleed bin Talal, has been arrested for corruption and money laundering charges, along with several other top officials.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Alwaleed is connected to everything and everyone - this is BIG!
Among those fired and/or arrested are also the head of National Royal Guards, Miteb Bin Abdullah, the Minister of Economy and Planning, Adel Fakeih, and Admiral Abdullah bin Sultan bin Mohammed Al-Sultan, the Commander of the Saudi Naval Forces.
FROM MY FORMER COLLEAGUES IN THE INTEL COMMUNITY --
Chatter is Jared Kushner delivered eyes-only Top Secret CIA intel to Riyadh last week to tip-off MBS on possible coup attempt. . .
This is a takedown of the faction within Saudi Arabia that is supporting terrorist groups
The Crown Prince and Trump are working closely to accomplish this. This is a huge move!
From two years ago . . .
