ALKHOBAR, 31 May 2004 — As fear from Saturday’s terror attacks began to spread, companies and governments issued statements in an attempt to inform the public and halt the growing panic caused by an information vacuum.
“No Saudi Aramco facilities or personnel were affected by the incidents and normal operations continue at all of the company’s installations,” read an announcement from the oil giant. “Saudi Aramco’s top priority is to ensure the security of its employees, dependents, facilities and communities, by working closely with Saudi government authorities.
“Saudi Aramco takes its responsibilities to its people and facilities very seriously, and the company is committed to carrying out the government’s policy of providing a reliable supply of oil to meet world energy demand.”
A similar statement signed by Saudi Aramco’s President and CEO Abdullah Jumah was sent over the company’s Intranet to all Saudi Aramco employees.
Despite the CEO’s message Arab News was told of several Saudi Aramco employees who had decided to resign. One employee said he was leaving the company because he “just did not need the hassle.”
Abdul Lateef Jameel Company had already put out a statement on the status of its employees.
“This is to inform you ... three of our employees have been wounded by gunfire, in Alkhobar at Al-Rakak area. Their injuries are slight and they will be out of the hospital within one hour.”
The employees, two Indian nationals and one Filipino, had been on the way to their jobs at the company’s workshop when their vehicle came under gunfire.
Yesterday, the British Foreign Office confirmed that British national Michael Hamilton had been killed. Prior to that he had been listed as “missing, presumed dead” in the terrorist attacks. The British Foreign Office warned that further terrorist attacks might be imminent.
“We continue to believe that terrorists remain determined to carry out further attacks in Saudi Arabia, and that these may be in the final stages of preparation,” the Foreign Office said on its website, advising against all but essential travel to the Kingdom.
