Jordan's King Abdullah Sacks Government Amid Protests

AMMAN, Jordan — Jordan's King Abdullah has sacked his government in the wake of street protests and has asked an ex-army general to form a new cabinet, the Royal Palace announced.

King Abdullah's move comes after thousands of Jordanians took to the streets — inspired by the regime ouster in Tunisia and the turmoil in Egypt — and called for the resignation of Prime Minister Samir Rifai who is blamed for a rise in fuel and food prices and slowed political reforms.

The Royal Palace says Rifai's Cabinet resigned on Tuesday.

Abdullah also nominated Marouf al-Bakhit as his prime minister-designate. No other details were immediately available.