Latest news with #HajSecurityCommittee
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Saudi Arabia on high alert to safeguard 1.8 million during Haj season
MAKKAH (Bernama): With over 1.8 million pilgrims set to perform the Haj this year, Saudi Arabia has placed its security forces on the highest level of alert to ensure their safety and the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage. Director of Public Security and Chairman of the Haj Security Committee, Lieutenant General Mohammad bin Abdullah Al-Bassami, said the forces stand ready to respond decisively to any threats that could endanger pilgrims or disrupt the rites. He made the remarks during a parade of security personnel on Saturday evening, just days before the wukuf ritual at Arafah. Saudi Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, was also present to inspect the readiness of the forces in carrying out their field duties and ensuring the safety and protection of pilgrims. The parade featured personnel from various agencies, along with security vehicles, machinery, and advanced equipment. A key highlight was the simulation of multiple security scenarios, demonstrating the teams' high level of preparedness to handle and neutralise potential threats. Saudi authorities earlier announced that the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah will begin this Wednesday, with the Day of Arafah to be observed on Thursday, followed by Aidiladha on Friday. According to the General Authority for Statistics, a total of 1,833,164 Muslims from around the world are expected to perform the Hajj this year, including 1,611,310 international pilgrims and 221,854 domestic pilgrims. - Bernama
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Saudi haj security forces at full preparedness for smooth pilgrimage
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.
