21 Apr, 2018
The shooting incident occurred late on Saturday, triggering confusion on social media. While one of the initial reports suggested that the shooting erupted when the palace guards targeted a rogue drone which came too close to the king’s residence, some feared a terrorist attack or even an unfolding “coup.”
Footage purportedly taken at the scene shows military or emergency vehicles with their lights flashing. Multiple gunshots can be heard in the background. Saudi police later confirmed that the shooting was caused by a small commercial drone that entered an off-limits zone, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
An investigation into the identity of the drone’s operator and motive has been launched.
BREAKING: Unconfirmed reports of a coup attempt in #Saudi as gunfire is heard near the royal palace in Riyadh, the Saudi capital.
King Salman reportedly moved to a safe bunker, reportedly at a nearby Air Force base. Ongoing situation. pic.twitter.com/Y3bPGxNK88
— Haidar Sumeri (@IraqiSecurity) April 21, 2018
#شاهد
السعودية: فيديو يتداوله نشطاء لإطلاق النارالكثيف قرب قصر الملك سلمان في حي الخزامي بالرياض#اطلاق_نار_في_حي_الخزامى pic.twitter.com/FguG0An5Da— وكالة شهاب (@ShehabAgency) April 21, 2018
#عاجل أتمنى ضبط النفس وعدم الإفراط في استخدام العنف#هروب_الملك_سلمان#اطلاق_نار_في_حي_الخزامى pic.twitter.com/nvvs9VZ1f3
— غانم الدوسري (@GhanemAlmasarir) April 21, 2018
Published at https://www.rt.com/news/424786-gunfire-royal-palace-riyadh/