2,050 people held for trying to enter holy sites illegally

Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — A total of 2,050 people have been arrested while attempting to infiltrate into Makkah and the holy sites without Hajj permits, said a spokesman of the Hajj Security Forces Command on Friday.

The spokesman added that punitive measures have been taken against them for their foiled attempt to perform Hajj in violation of the coronavirus precautionary measures and preventive protocols.

The security forces had clamped a tight security cordon in and around the holy sites to enforce the regulations and catch the violators during the days preceding the annual pilgrimage of Hajj, the spokesman added.