Director of Public Security and head of the Hajj Security Committee Lieutenant General Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Bassami stressed on Saturday the readiness of the security forces in handling “anything that may undermine security and order” during this year’s annual Hajj.
Speaking at a press conference detailing the security measures at the Hajj, he underscored that the security forces will prevent any acts that may affect the security and safety of the pilgrims
Security forces are active around the clock to ensure that order will be ensured and that any violations are addressed in a timely manner, he added.
Authorities have already busted 140 Hajj campaign scams and 4,032 individuals for violating regulations related to “Hajj without a permit” and returned 171,587 people who are not residents of the holy city of Makkah.
Al-Bassami said the Kingdom welcomes all Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and visitors of the Two Holy Mosques.
Security plans are in place so that the Hajj pilgrims will be able to carry out the holy rituals smoothly and easily, he told the conference in Makkah.
Saudi security will not allow anyone to violate this journey. “Instructions are clear, and all security forces are in service of the pilgrims. Whoever violates the security of the Hajj will be dealt with firmly and strongly,” he stated.
The security of Saudi Arabia, the pilgrims and the holy sites is a red line, he declared.
Moreover, Al-Bassami said security presence has been increased on the ground, which will help detect any forms of violations and allow for a swift response to them.
This also means that preventive measures will be taken to stop any crimes, crack down on pickpocketing and any other negative issues that may affect the security of the pilgrims, he went on to say.
Commander of the Special Emergency Forces at the Presidency of State Security Major General Mohammed Al-Omari stated that the forces are working on preserving security and order in Makkah and Madinah.
“They are protecting the visitors and preventing violators from accessing the holy sites. They are also managing the crowds and organizing the Jamarat phase of the Hajj,” he added.
