A mystery surrounds the death of Saudi Arabia's King Salman's personal bodyguard amid rumours he was sacked just days earlier and may have had vital information about the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
General Abdelaziz al-Fagham died on Saturday evening in the Western city of Jeddah after a 'personal dispute' at the property.
King Salman's personal bodyguard was often seen at his side and had also accompanied him to a recent meeting with the Prime Minister of Iraq, Adil Abdul-Mahdi.
But his death has immediately led to speculation of palace politics, after claims he was recently dismissed, as reported by The Times.
There are also rumours the bodyguard may have had information relating to the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul last October.
The official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said that General al-Fagham had been visiting a friend when an acquaintance, Mamdouh al-Ali entered the residence.
{"preview_thumbnail":"https://cdn.flowplayer.com/6684a05f-6468-4ecd-87d5-a748773282a3/i/v-i-a…","video_id":"adca9bde-51c4-49ad-9385-7a81fcb65c71","player_id":"8ca46225-42a2-4245-9c20-7850ae937431","provider":"flowplayer","video":"Restriction Returns to Kashmir Ahead of Late-night Protest"}
'The conversation between Fagham and Ali escalated... Ali left the home, came back carrying a gun and fired at Fagham, injuring two others in the household, a Filipino worker and brother of the house's owner.'
SPA reported that Ali was later killed and that five security personnel were also wounded in a shootout when the suspect 'refused to surrender'.
This is while Al-Ekhbariya state television reported that the incident was triggered by a 'personal dispute', without giving further details.
General al-Fagham died in hospital from his injuries and an investigation has now been launched.
The general, close to the king, was well known among Saudis.
Many Saudi officials took to social media to remember General al-Fagham, and health minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah said: 'Oh God, have mercy on him and make a great rest in paradise and honor his home and inspired his family and his patience and solace. . Guard our kings and dwell our hearts.'
This is while Royal Court adviser Turki al-Sheikh tweeted: 'You are with me on the phone today and laugh and talk about Riyadh ... God bless your mercy God, O Abu Abdullah ... Praise be to God and spend his destiny ... Not understand that I will not See you after today!'
The death of General al-Fagham will come as a shock to the 30 million residence in Saudi Arabia.
The country has a low gun crime rate, due to strict Islamic laws which see convicted killers executed.
This article has been adapted from its original source.
