Saudi haj security forces at full preparedness for smooth pilgrimage

New Straits Times

01-06-2025

MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia's Haj Security Forces are at the highest level of preparedness to ensure the safety of nearly two million pilgrims in the Holy Land and the smooth running of the 2025/1446 haj season.
This assurance came from the Director of Public Security and Chairman of the Haj Security Committee, Lieutenant General Mohammad Abdullah Al-Bassami, who stressed that the security forces would not hesitate to take firm action to maintain a safe environment for pilgrims to fulfil their religious obligations.
During a security forces parade last night, held just days before wukuf, Mohammad also said the Haj Security Forces are on high alert to respond to any threats or challenges that may affect the haj pilgrimage.
Saudi Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Haj Committee, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, was also present to inspect the Haj Security Forces' readiness in carrying out field duties and ensuring the safety and protection of pilgrims.
The parade featured personnel from various agencies, alongside displays of security assets such as vehicles, machinery, and advanced equipment.
At the event, which also served as a training platform, a variety of security threat simulations were carried out, highlighting the efficiency and preparedness of the security forces in managing and neutralising threats.
The Saudi government had previously announced that the annual haj pilgrimage would begin this Wednesday, with Arafah Day on Thursday, followed by Aidiladha on the next day.
It was previously reported that Saudi Minister of Haj and Umrah, Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, reiterated that ensuring pilgrims' safety while performing the fifth pillar of Islam remains a top priority, especially as temperatures during the current haj season are expected to reach up to 45 degrees Celsius.
The Health Ministry has confirmed five cases of heat exhaustion among pilgrims as temperatures continue to rise.
Health teams are on standby to respond swiftly to such cases, as part of the government's commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of pilgrims.
According to Saudi Arabia's General Authority for Statistics, a total of 1,833,164 Muslims from around the world are expected to perform the haj this year.
Of this number, 1,611,310 are international pilgrims, while 221,854 are local pilgrims.