Special to WorldTribune.com

ABU DHABI — Saudi King Abdullah, who has been more than a week in the hospital, was reported to be battling pneumonia.

The royal court has acknowledged that Abdullah was hospitalized because of difficulty in breathing. A statement on Jan. 2 said the king was stricken with pneumonia but was in stable condition.

“After examinations by a medical team it became evident that the king is suffering from pneumonia and his condition requires the temporary help of a tube for breathing Friday evening,” the royal statement said. “This move has been successful and stabilized his condition.”

[On Jan. 5, a suicide bomber killed two Saudi soldiers along the border with Iraq. The bombing in Saudi Arabia’s Arar region was attributed to Islamic State of Iraq and Levant.]

Abdullah has long been fighting advancing age as well as a series of illnesses, including cancer. The United States has determined that Abdullah was as old as 98, far more than the 91 years old reported by the kingdom.

Western diplomatic sources said the king has prepared the groundwork for his succession. They cited a series of appointments that promoted his sons, particularly National Guard Minister Prince Miteb.

  readies succession, Saudi King stable after bout with pneumonia, WorldTribune.com