Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah dies aged 90, Crown Prince Salman Becomes New King

Saudi king Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has died at the age of 90. He had been in hospital for several weeks reportedly suffering from pneumonia. Saudi state television cut to the recitation of Koranic verses, which often signifies the death of a senior royal.

Saudi state television cut to the recitation of Koranic verses, which often signifies the death of a senior royal. Abdullah had ruled Saudi Arabia as king since 2005, but had run the country as de facto regent for a decade before that after his predecessor King Fahd suffered a debilitating stroke.

Abdullah's brother and crown prince, Salman, was declared the new king, according to a statement attributed to Salman. "His Highness Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and all members of the family and the nation mourn the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, who passed away at exactly 1:00am this morning," the statement said. A royal court statement said the late monarch will be buried later on Friday following afternoon prayers.