Shots and explosions heard at Saudi oil refinery

An explosion occurred today at a major oil refinery in Baqiq, eastern Saudi Arabia, a Saudi oil official said.

The pan-Arab satellite channel Al-Arabiya TV reported that shots were also heard. The channel’s reporter said the shooting and the explosion could have been part of an attempt to break into the refinery.

The oil official said he did not know the cause.

The Baqiq refinery is one of the major oil complex on the eastern side of Saudi Arabia.

The al-Qaida terror group has called for attacks on Saudi oil installations.