Saudi King Abdullah to undergo more back surgery today

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah will undergo more surgery today in New York to repair several vertebrae, the official Saudi Press Agency reported, citing a statement from the Royal Court.

The surgery is part of the 86 year old king’s treatment for a back injury and was recommended by his doctors, the agency said.

King Abdullah arrived in New York on November 23 and underwent surgery the next day at New York Presbyterian Hospital to remove a blood clot and adjust a slipped disk, the Saudi Embassy in Washington said. Health Minister Abdullah al Rabeeah said the king’s health was “very reassuring” and that he had started physical therapy, the news service said on November 28.

The king delegated the management of the affairs of the world’s largest oil supplier to his half brother, Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, during his absence, SPA said on November 22.

Oil fell 0.5 percent to $87.59 a barrel at 8:20 a.m. in London, down from a two year high yesterday.