All preparations complete for Hajj 2023: Saudi security authorities

Addressing a media briefing on Friday at the Unified Security Operations Centre in Makkah, the Saudi Ministry of Interior and leaders of the Hajj security forces revealed the security, traffic and organisational plans for Hajj 2023 in detail, saying all preparations are complete.

This year’s general plan for the tasks of the Hajj security forces has focused on intensifying the field security presence in order to ensure speedy monitoring of all varieties of security cases and rapid response with appropriate measures, said Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami.

The plan also emphasises preventive measures to counter pickpocketing, crime and any negative phenomena that put the safety and security of pilgrims at risk, the director of public security and chair of the Hajj Security Committee added.

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Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Al-Omari, commander of the Special Emergency Forces at the Presidency of State Security, said its staff are fully prepared to shield security and order in Madinah, Makkah and the holy sites.

He shined the spotlight on protecting guests of Saudi Arabia, preventing unauthorised individuals from entering the holy sites, preventing breaches of Hajj regulations, managing crowds, and organising the throwing of pebbles at the Jamarat.

Over 1.6 million pilgrims have arrived from outside the Kingdom for this year’s Hajj season, including more than 238,000 under the Makkah Route initiative, which plans to smoothen the Hajj experience for all, said Maj. Gen. Saleh Al-Murabba, commander of Passports Forces for Umrah.