King Abdullah ibn Abdilaziz, the ruler of Saudi Arabia, has died on Thursday, state TV has confirmed. He was 90 years old.
On Twitter, some journalists said Saudi state-run TV cut over to Koranic verses with king in hospital, signifying a death of a top royal.
Saudi television cuts to Koranic verses, often signifying the death of a senior royal – King Abdullah has been in hospital for several weeks
— Sky News Newsdesk (@SkyNewsBreak) January 22, 2015
Crown Prince Salman, his brother, is the new king.
BREAKING: Saudi state TV reports: King Abdullah has died at 90.
— The Associated Press (@AP) January 22, 2015
He had been in the hospital suffering from pneumonia.
Official confirmation: Saudi King Abdullah has died pic.twitter.com/6NYwH4noyi
— Michael van Poppel (@mpoppel) January 22, 2015