So the Saudis are now claiming that 15 intelligence officers all went rogue and decided on their own to kidnap an internationally-known journalist, knowing full

So the Saudis are now claiming that 15 intelligence officers all went rogue and decided on their own to kidnap an internationally-known journalist, knowing full well that the head of the country would immediately learn of it and, if he was displeased, have them severely punished? That story is simply impossible to believe. Also, putting out this story puts the Saudi government in an impossible situation. If it doesn't severely punish the officers, then it is admitting that it really gave them the orders. But if it does punish them for doing something that it had previously promised it would cover them for, then the intelligence agencies will never trust MSB again, and likely refuse to follow many of his orders, if not try to overthrown him.