DAMMAM, 30 May 2004 — A general perception among the foreign media was that the terrorists were now targeting oil facilities and to prove their point they cited yesterday’s attacks. The media evidently failed to realize that the targets in yesterday’s attack were not facilities but rather a move to spread terror among people.
The first attack was on APICORP Compound in which five people were killed, including a 10-year old Egyptian boy. APICORP (Arab Petroleum Investment Corporation) is a financial institution which works as a lead manager in loans for petroleum and petrochemical projects.
The second attack was on Petroleum Center, a building facility which houses such companies as Saqr Insurance Company, RSAL (Resource Sciences Arabia Limited) and Schlumberger.
The third attack was on the Oasis Housing Compound with a cross-section of executives of various nationalities.
The general belief among both Saudis and non-Saudis in the Eastern Province is that the attack was a random one to spread fear, panic and confusion. The list of casualties reveals that there were more Arab and Asian victims than Western ones.
People in the Eastern Province say that security officials will now have to take precautionary measures everywhere and not only at selected locations. The attackers have sent one clear message: “We intend to hit anyone, anywhere.”
