Interior Ministry Holds Press Conference For Hajj Security Forces Commanders 1445-2024

The Ministry of the Interior held a press conference today at the Unified Security Operations Center (911) in Makkah to discuss the security, traffic, and organizational plans for the Hajj season 1445-2024. The event was attended by key officials, including Lt. Gen. Mohammad bin Abdullah Al-Bassami, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Al-Omari, Maj. Gen. Pilot Abdulaziz bin Muhammad Al-Duraijan, Maj. Gen. Dr. Hamoud Sulaiman Al-Faraj, and Maj. Gen. Dr. Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba.

Lt. Gen. Al-Bassami stressed that ensuring the safety and security of pilgrims and holy sites is a top priority for the Hajj security forces. He highlighted the importance of preventing violators of Hajj regulations and those without permits from performing Hajj. He also mentioned that misleading advertisements aimed at defrauding potential pilgrims are being closely monitored.

Al-Bassami revealed that security authorities have seized 140 fake Hajj campaigns and 64 carriers violating Hajj regulations. Additionally, 97,664 violating vehicles and 171,587 non-residents of Makkah have been turned back. Authorities have also apprehended 4,032 violators of Hajj regulations and 6,105 violators of residency, work, and border security regulations.

Maj. Gen. Al-Omari explained that the Special Emergency Forces are tasked with maintaining security and order in Makkah and Madinah, protecting the Kingdom’s guests, managing crowd movement, and organizing the stoning ritual according to security plans.

Maj. Gen. Al-Duraijan stated that Security Aviation conducts reconnaissance sorties to ensure smooth traffic flow for pilgrims to the Grand Mosque and to support security sectors in providing humanitarian services such as medical evacuation, rescue, and firefighting.

Maj. Gen. Al-Faraj emphasized that preventive supervision is being intensified in Makkah, the holy sites, and Madinah through preventive measures, awareness-raising initiatives, and operational strategies. This includes activating volunteers and Haram Support Forces and cooperating with government agencies to address emergency situations using modern technologies.

Maj. Gen. Al-Murabba confirmed that the General Directorate of Passports continues to provide services to pilgrims through various ports using advanced devices for security documentation and document verification. He noted that penalties for transporters of violators include imprisonment for up to six months and fines up to SAR 50,000.

The press conference underscored the comprehensive efforts being made to ensure a safe and secure Hajj season for all pilgrims.

With inputs from SPA