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1st LD: Saudi King Abdullah dies, succeeded by half-brother

Xinhua, January 23, 2015 Adjust font size:

Saudi King Abdullah has died 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. Endi