Gunfire Blasts Near Saudi Royal Palace, King Evacuated


LAGOS APRIL 22ND (NEWSRANGERS)-Gunfire was heard near Saudi Arabia’s royal palace Saturday, prompting widespread speculation as authorities said a toy drone was downed.
“An official Riyadh district police spokesman said that at about 19:50 p.m. on Saturday, 5/8/1439 a security screening point in the Al-Khuzama district of Riyadh noticed a small, remote-controlled recreational aircraft (drone) flying without being authorized to do so, which required security personnel at the security point to deal with it in accordance with their orders and instructions in this regard,” the official Saudi Press Agency reported.
“The competent authorities have initiated investigative action on the circumstances of the incident,” it added, without commenting on any potential casualties.
As photos and videos of the gunfire emerged on social media, London-based Saudi human rights activist Ghanem al-Masarir claimed that King Salman was moved to the King Khalid Military City in northeastern Saudi Arabia.
Some twitter accounts, especially those visibly supportive of Saudi rival Qatar, suggested a coup attempt was unfolding, while others dismissed this, saying they believed a drone had flown too close to the palace, prompting security forces to open fire and down it.

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