Politics & Policies: Impact of Abqaiq

WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 (UPI) — Oil, once flaunted by producing countries as a political weapon to pressure the West, is now being used against them as al-Qaida promises further attacks on Saudi — and possibly other — installations.

As the world’s largest oil producer and exporter, Saudi Arabia is also the most vulnerable to terrorist attacks. The kingdom sits on 25 percent of the world’s proven oil reserves, estimated at around 261 billion barrels.

Al-Qaida’s targets in Saudi Arabia, until now at least, tended to avoid oil facilities. In the past they have focused on foreign workers, offices and housing complexes. Friday’s attack on Abqaiq is a clear indication of a change in tactics.

In a tape posted on an extremist website, bin Laden asserted that “Targeting America in Iraq in terms of economy and loss of life is a golden and unique opportunity… Be active and prevent them from reaching the oil, and mount your operations accordingly, particularly in Iraq and the Gulf.”

UPI