Saudi security forces commanders ready to implement security plans for this year's hajj season

MAKKAH: Hajj security forces commanders announced preparedness to achieve security and safety for pilgrims during this year's season to be able to perform Hajj rituals, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

During a press conference that was held Tuesday at the headquarters of the National Center for Security Operations "911" in Al-Awali in Makkah, the forces commanders stressed that the Ministry of Interior has organisational and security responsibilities.

Maj. Gen. Zayed bin Abdulrahman Al-Tuwayan, Assistant Director of the General Directorate of the Public Security and Commander of the Hajj and Umrah Special Forces, said that the Ministry of Interior, represented by the General Directorate of Public Security and participating sectors, has completed preparations to implement their tasks during this year's Hajj season safely and securely.

He noted that limiting the number of pilgrims was a right decision due to the risks imposed by COVID-19 pandemic, stressing that Saudi Arabia can manage millions of humans, but the pandemic was the reason for limiting the number of pilgrims.

The entry to the Grand Holy Mosque or holy sites will not be allowed but to those with permits through security checkpoints that were set at the entrances of the Makkah and holy sites.

He reviewed main characteristics of this year's plan, including receiving pilgrims through four entrances in Makkah, including Al-Shmeisi and Al-Tanim road, the entrance of Al-Seil road, the entrance of Al-Hada road and those coming on the train, where arrivals will be sorted and relevant forces will check their permits before being transported through busses from these locations.

He added that no person will be allowed to move individually to the Grand Holy Mosque. Pilgrims will be transported on July 17 and 18 before being sorted again at the Jamaraat square.

Al-Tuwayan said that special permits will be issued for workers in Hajj and will be connected to Tawakkalna application, where they have to be vaccinated against the virus.

He stressed that whoever violates regulations or procedures for this year's Hajj will face penalties, confirming the full preparedness of security forces to carry out their tasks to serve pilgrims.

-- BERNAMA