RIYADH, Feb. 24 (Xinhuanet) -- The Saudi branch of the al Qaida terror network claimed responsibility for a foiled attempt on Friday to blow up a major Saudi Arabian oil refinery.

Abqaiq oil facility in Saudi Arabia (Reuters/File)

    "The heroic mujahedeen of the squadron of Sheikh Osama bin Laden, god protect him, have successfully penetrated the oil and gas refinery in the town of Abqaiq... where two car bombs were able to enter," the group said in a message posted on its website.

    It said two of its members carried out the operation, and the raid was an effort by al Qaida to prevent the theft of Muslims' wealth by "crusaders and Jews."

    The Saudi Interior Ministry earlier said the two cars which attempted to penetrate the processing plant exploded near the entrance of the facility.

    Saudi Arabia said output was unaffected by the foiled attack on the world's largest oil-producing center in the oil-rich Eastern Province, which left at least four people dead. Enditem