Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Dies In Hospital

Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has died in hospital after almost a decade in power and his half-brother Crown Prince Salman has succeeded to the throne.

A statement from Saudi Arabia's royal court confirmed the monarch - believed to be aged 90 or 91 - passed away at 1.00am local time.
Abdullah, who took power in 2005 following the death of King Fahd, is expected to be buried later today following afternoon prayers.
"With great sadness and mourning His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, and all members of the family and the nation, express condolences for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud," the statement said.
The late monarch's half-brother Moqren has been confirmed as the new Saudi Crown Prince.