By Associated Press
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — 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 and major Western ally. The agency called the trip both a “special leave” and “private vacation.”
Abdullah hosted a gathering of Islamic countries earlier this month and has kept a steady schedule of meetings before his departure late Monday 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.
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