Saudi Minister Says Militants Targeted Oil

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Militants who fought a three-day battle with Saudi security forces last week were targeting key installations, including oil facilities, Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef said in comments published Sunday.
Five of Saudi Arabia’s 36 most-wanted militants were killed after security forces stormed a seaside villa in the eastern city of Dammam. Four policemen also died in the fighting and 11 suspected militants were arrested.

“It is a fact — unfortunately — that there was (a plan) to target key installations in Eastern Province,” Prince Nayef was quoted as saying by the daily Okaz.

“There isn’t a place that they could reach that they didn’t think about,” he said, when asked if the militants were specifically targeting oil facilities in the energy-rich province.

Saudi Arabia repeatedly has said its oil installations are well-protected.

Saudi Minister Says Militants Targeted Oil