Saudi King Abdullah Dies, Succeeded by Half-Brother

Riyadh — Saudi King Abdullah passed away and his half-brother Salman has become the new ruler, according to a royal statement released early Friday.

Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, 91, was hospitalized in December for pneumonia and had been breathing with aid.

He died at 1 a.m. Friday (2200 GMT Thursday) and would be buried later in the day following afternoon prayers, the state TV quoted an official statement as saying.

Abdullah’s half-brother Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, 79, was named crown prince in June 2012 following the death of Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. (PNA/Xinhua) LGI/EBP