Saudi Gazette report

MINA — The chief of Haj security forces, Lt. Gen. Khalid Bin Qarar A-Harbi, held a meeting of the commanders of the Haj security forces at the headquarters of the General Security in Mina to resume responsibilities for the upcoming pilgrimage season.

The meeting discussed the preparations by the Haj security commanders to implement their plans in Makkah and the holy places to protect the safety and security of the pilgrims and to facilitate the performance of their rituals in ease and comfort.

Al-Harbi stressed the importance of joint efforts to complete field arrangements and raise the level of readiness and preparation for the implementation of the plans in accordance with the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and his Crown Prince utilizing unlimited resources made available by the state to serve the guests of God, said a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency after the meeting.

The commander of the Haj security forces underlined the importance of direct supervision by the leadership of various stages of the implementation of the security plans. He called on the security forces to devote their efforts in the service of God in every field and location.

The commander elaborated saying that the successful implementation of the Haj plans requires everyone to spare no effort in achieving the objectives of security tasks. He asked the officers to raise the pace of preparations for the next phase, which coincides with the arrival of pilgrims to Makkah and the holy sites and work collectively to ensure the continuation of the successes achieved at the security level.

During the meeting, Al-Harbi reviewed the security, traffic, regulatory and support plans, which took into account new developments, plans and ways of implementation, as well as the supervision of the technical regulations to verify that the pilgrims have acquired their Haj permits for the holy sites and the documentation of any violators.

The commander emphasized the importance of preventing the arrival of non-organized pilgrims, the continuation of field patrols and continued follow-up against the violators of the Haj system inside the holy sites.

State Security

The Presidency of the State Security has said it will, for the first time since its establishment, be participating in the Haj security by fielding special units armed with modern weapons.

The presidency said its well-trained elements would preempt any terrorist operation during Haj and would confront attempts to spread extremist ideologies among pilgrims by devious groups.