Yemen's newly appointed president has removed several figures from the government of former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, including at least one relative of the former leader, in a major military shake-up.

President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi fired four governors and more than a dozen military officers Friday. He also appointed a new air force commander, a post that had been held by former president Saleh's half-brother.

However, the shakeup did not affect the former president's son, who retained command of the Republican Guard, or a nephew who kept his job as the head of the Central Security Forces.

Analysts say President Hadi appears to have tried to be balanced by keeping some of Mr. Saleh's military supporters and rivals in place.

The Yemeni government has been trying to recover from anti-government protests that resulted in the resignation of its long-time leader, Mr. Saleh.

His deputy, Mr. Hadi, took over as president in February. The new president has vowed to fight al-Qaida and stabilize the country.