11:02, 23-Apr-2018
Saudi Arabia Drone: Toy aircraft sparks security alarm in Riyadh
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Saudi Arabia is finalising regulation for the use of recreational drones. This comes after a toy aircraft sparked a security alarm after hovering too close to royal palaces in the capital. Earlier CGTN's Guy Henderson told us more about the incident.
GUY HENDERSON RIYADH Gunfire rung out across the night sky here in the Saudi capital just before 8 pm on Sunday night. And it appeared to be coming from around the King's palace.
That set social media ablaze with rumours a military coup was underway, and that the Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman who has been implementing a radical reform programme in the Kingdom, had been evacuated to a nearby bunker.
Most of that, say Saudi officials, was false.
According to the spokesperson of the Riyadh police force: a recreational toy drone flew too close to the official Royal residence, and was shot down by officers in line with what they say is police protocol.
And the following morning, there is nothing to suggest an alternative narrative. The first day of working week here is proceeding as normal.
Guy Henderson, CGTN Riyadh.