Saudi Defense Ministry Enhances Security Services For Hajj Pilgrims

The Ministry of Defense, under the directive of Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense, has successfully completed its preparations for the crucial role it plays in this year’s Hajj season 1445 AH. These preparations aim to support the efforts and plans of all security services and government agencies, providing necessary facilities to serve pilgrims.

To achieve the directives and aspirations of the Saudi leadership, a Hajj Supervisory Committee was formed within the Ministry of Defense. Headed by the Director of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces, the committee was responsible for preparing, planning, and supervising all tasks assigned to various units and sectors during Hajj.

As part of its comprehensive plan for the Hajj mission, the Ministry mobilized its military and civilian human resources, medical and health personnel, capabilities, and service facilities in the Holy Sites, Makkah, and Madinah. All branches of the armed forces and relevant sectors actively participate in this collective effort.

The Ministry of Defense is tasked with providing security support to the Ministry of Interior. This includes implementing a general plan to maintain order and strengthening security measures to prevent any incidents that could disrupt Hajj. Responsibilities include overseeing courtyards of the Holy Mosque in Makkah, managing airspace, monitoring crowd movement, and operating helicopter flights around the clock.

The Ministry has prepared several fixed and field hospitals and emergency centres to support the Ministry of Health in providing healthcare services to pilgrims. Medical evacuation aircraft are also on standby to transport critical cases to supporting hospitals, ensuring pilgrims perform their rituals with high levels of health and safety.

As part of its comprehensive plan for Hajj, the Ministry hosts employees, children of Saudi and Yemeni martyrs and wounded, as well as pilgrims from more than 20 countries. Camps with advanced specifications have been prepared in Mina to ensure these individuals can efficiently perform their rituals.

The Ministry completed its guidance and religious program plan to educate pilgrims and guests at its camps. This includes hosting scholars and sheiks to deliver sermons and lectures, broadcasting awareness messages, and distributing letters, publications, and brochures that clarify ritual actions.

With inputs from SPA