Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — As part of its comprehensive plan for Hajj, the Ministry of Defense hosts employees, children of Saudi and Yemeni martyrs and wounded, and pilgrims from more than 20 countries. Camps with the latest specifications have been prepared in Mina to ensure the best services so these individuals can efficiently perform their rituals.

Under the directive of Prince Khalid bin Salman, Minister of Defense, the Ministry announced the completion of its preparations for the crucial role it plays in this year’s Hajj season 1445 AH. These preparations aim to support the efforts and plans of all security services and government agencies, providing necessary facilities to serve pilgrims.

A Hajj Supervisory Committee, headed by the Director of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces, was formed within the Ministry to achieve the directives and aspirations of the Saudi leadership. The committee is responsible for preparing, planning, and supervising all tasks assigned to the various units and sectors of the ministry during the Hajj season.

The Ministry has mobilized its military and civilian human resources, medical and health personnel, capabilities, and service facilities in the Holy Sites, Makkah, and Madinah to serve pilgrims. All branches of the armed forces and various relevant sectors actively participate in this collective effort.

The ministry is tasked with providing security support to the Ministry of Interior, implementing the general plan to maintain order, and strengthening security measures to prevent any incidents that could disrupt the security of Hajj and pilgrims. This includes overseeing the courtyards of the Holy Mosque in Makkah, managing the airspace of the holy sites, monitoring crowd movement, and operating helicopter flights around the clock.

Additionally, the Ministry has prepared several fixed and field hospitals and emergency centers to support the Ministry of Health in providing healthcare and therapeutic services to pilgrims. Medical evacuation aircraft are also on standby to transport critical cases to supporting hospitals, ensuring the highest levels of health and safety for pilgrims.

The Ministry has also completed its guidance and religious program plan to educate pilgrims and guests of the ministry’s camps. This includes hosting scholars and sheikhs to deliver sermons and lectures, broadcasting awareness messages to pilgrims, and distributing letters, publications, and brochures that clarify the issues and actions of rituals.