The Saudi Ministry of Defense, under the directive of Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense, announced the successful completion of its preparations for the crucial role it plays in this year’s Hajj season this year.
The main goal is to support the efforts and plans of all security services and government agencies and provide the necessary facilities to serve pilgrims, SPA reported.
To achieve the directives and aspirations of the Saudi leadership to enable pilgrims to perform their Hajj rituals with ease, security, and reassurance, a Hajj Supervisory Committee was formed within the Ministry of Defense. The committee, headed by the Director of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces, was responsible for preparing, planning, and supervising all tasks assigned to the various units and sectors of the ministry during its participation in Hajj season.
As part of its comprehensive plan for the Hajj mission, the Ministry of Defense 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 the various relevant sectors in the ministry actively participate in this collective effort.
The Ministry of Defense 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. The ministry's responsibilities include overseeing the courtyards of the Holy Mosque in Makkah, managing the airspace of the holy sites, monitoring the flow and movement of crowds, and operating flights by helicopter around the clock.
The Ministry of Defense has also prepared several fixed and field hospitals and emergency centers to support the Ministry of Health in providing health care and therapeutic services to pilgrims. The ministry also provides medical evacuation aircraft for transporting critical cases to supporting hospitals, ensuring that pilgrims perform their rituals with the highest levels of health and safety.
