Saudi king seen on TV amid health questions

87-year-old ruler’s appearance, 11 days after surgery, seems aimed at quieting speculation about his overall well-being

King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz al Saud of Saudi Arabia (photo credit: CC BY-ND Bahrain Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Flickr)
King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz al Saud of Saudi Arabia (photo credit: CC BY-ND Bahrain Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Flickr)

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Saudi state television has broadcast the first public images of King Abdullah since the 87-year-old monarch underwent what was described as back surgery 11 days ago.

The video shows the king sitting down, as members of the royal family greet him and kiss his hand in a hospital suite in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.

The Wednesday broadcast appeared aimed at quieting speculation about the overall health of Abdullah, a key US ally in the region. The official Saudi Press Agency says the top-level delegation was “reassured” about Abdullah’s recovery.

The king underwent more than 10 hours of surgery November 17 for what officials said was a procedure to secure a loose vertebra.

The king had back operations in 2010 and twice in 2011.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

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