Saudi Security Forces at Hajj Ready to Maintain Safety of Pilgrims

Members of the Saudi forces for Hajj and Umrah perform during a military parade in preparation for the annual Hajj pilgrimage in the Muslim holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Monday, June 10, 2024. (AP)
Members of the Saudi forces for Hajj and Umrah perform during a military parade in preparation for the annual Hajj pilgrimage in the Muslim holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Monday, June 10, 2024. (AP)
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Saudi Security Forces at Hajj Ready to Maintain Safety of Pilgrims

Members of the Saudi forces for Hajj and Umrah perform during a military parade in preparation for the annual Hajj pilgrimage in the Muslim holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Monday, June 10, 2024. (AP)
Members of the Saudi forces for Hajj and Umrah perform during a military parade in preparation for the annual Hajj pilgrimage in the Muslim holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Monday, June 10, 2024. (AP)

Saudi Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz oversaw on Monday a military parade carried out by the security forces tasked with maintaining security of the Hajj pilgrims.

Interior Ministry spokesman Talal al-Shalhoub underscored the readiness of the security forces in carrying out their duties to meet the aspirations of the Saudi leadership, which is keen on ensuring that the pilgrims perform the holy rituals smoothly and at ease.

Director of Public Security and head of the Hajj Security Committee Lieutenant General Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Bassami had on Sunday stressed that the security forces at the Hajj were ready to prevent anything that may impact the safety of the pilgrims.

All the security plans in place were adopted after assessing and studying the previous ones, he went on to say.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said on Monday that the success of organization efforts demands cooperation from the pilgrims themselves and their commitment to regulations.

He stressed that the security agencies were working around the clock to serve the pilgrims and ensure they have a smooth journey throughout the holy sites.

He highlighted the international campaign that was launched in over 20 countries and aimed at raising awareness about the gravity of violating Hajj regulations and to be wary about scams.

Also on Monday, Prince Abdulaziz followed up on the work of the Civil Defense Command and Control Center in Mina.

The minister was briefed on the plan of the General Directorate of Civil Defense for this year’s Hajj by acting Director General of Civil Defense Major General Hammoud bin Suleiman Al-Faraj.

He was briefed on their use of modern technologies and artificial intelligence (AI), including the smart platform that uses surveillance cameras to detect smoke, fire, emergency situations and risk forecasting, which boosts the speed of response of civil defense teams, immediate intervention and provision of necessary assistance.



Saudi Arabia Pursues Efforts to Quell Sudan Crisis

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)
Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Pursues Efforts to Quell Sudan Crisis

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)
Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji reaffirmed the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to resolve the Sudanese crisis. He expressed Saudi Arabia’s openness to international initiatives aimed at bringing peace to Sudan.
At the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan, held in Djibouti, Al-Khuraiji discussed the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to resolve the Sudanese crisis.
He mentioned that Saudi Arabia, in partnership with the United States, facilitated talks between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, leading to the Jeddah Declaration on May 11, 2023, which aimed to protect civilians.
Al-Khuraiji also noted the continuation of talks with the involvement of the African Union and IGAD, emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s support for African-led solutions.
He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to restoring stability in Sudan and urged all parties to act with wisdom, show restraint, and support positive initiatives.
Al-Khuraiji also met with EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, Annette Weber, on the sidelines of the consultative meeting.
In separate meetings, he also met with the UN Envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, and US Special Envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello.
During these meetings, they reviewed the latest developments in Sudan, explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, and discussed topics of mutual interest.
The Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum) expressed support for international and regional meetings, hoping they would bring positive results to ease the suffering of the Sudanese people.
They urged the need that discussions focus on ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those in need, protecting civilians, and achieving an immediate ceasefire.
Taqaddum highlighted the importance of international legal frameworks for civilian protection and safe passageways during the conflict.
They called on international and regional partners to quickly bring both sides back to negotiations, build on the Jeddah agreements, and secure a binding ceasefire with effective monitoring.
Taqaddum also stressed the need for a unified negotiation platform to achieve peace.