British Oil Man Killed in Saudi Arabia

international | miscellaneous | news report Friday August 20, 2004 08:11 by Hilaal

Details have just emerged of the death on 29 May last of British oil executive Michael Hamilton , at his inquest. 21 others died in the same attack.

Mr Hamilton was shot at least nine times as he sat in his car at the headquarters of a major oil firm in Al Khobar where he had worked since 1989.

Militants shot him in the chest at close range and then tied his body to the back of their car before dragging it through the streets for more than a mile. His body was found near a roundabout after the rope snapped.

Mr Hamilton was talking to a guard at the security gate at a residential compound near the Araba Petroleum Investments Corporation, when the militants pulled up and opened fire through the windows of his company car, killing both him and the guard .

The militants then marched into the office building of the Araba Petroleum Investments Corporation, where several shots were fired.

They then tied the body of Mr Hamilton to the back of their vehicle with rope, dragging it through the streets for more than a mile.

The inquest in Hastings yesterday returned a verdict of unlawful killing .

World energy prices have been continually heating due to attacks like this and the prediction of more to come.

Yesterday, world oil prices again hit new highs. New York Sweet crude is expected to rise above $50bbl soon, and then to keep climbing.

The "war against Terrorism" is costing us all dearly and excuses that it was in Irelands best economic interests to be part of the coalition-of-the-willing by allowing American war planes, munitions and troops to pass through Shannon Airport are wearing thin. When will the pro-war apologists and collaborators admit they got it wrong? When oil hits $100 bbl and the world economy crumbles?

Nymex Crude 47.89

WTI Cushing $ 48.7

Dated Brent $ 45.55