King of Saudi Arabia Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Dies
DDHK News, Saudi Arabia - The King of Saudi Arabia Abdullah bin Abdulaziz passed away in hospital.
A statement made Friday (23/01) morning explained that Abdullah's brother, Prince Salman, would replace him as king.
"His Excellency Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and all members of the family and nation mourn the death of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, who died at exactly 1:00 this morning," the statement was quoted as saying Indonesian BBC.
Prior to the announcement, Saudi Arabian television broadcast the verses Al-Quran which often signifies the death of a senior royal official.
King Abdullah, who died at the age of 90, had been in hospital for several weeks with a lung infection.
Abdullah took the throne in 2005 but has been sick frequently in recent years.
Abdullah's half brother, Muqrin, has been named the new crown prince to replace Salman, said an official statement.
All three are the sons of the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, Abdulaziz, also known as Ibn Saud and died in 1953. *
