The Ministry of the Interior held a press conference today for the leaders of the Hajj security forces 1444-2023 at the Unified Security Operations Center (911) in Makkah to highlight the Ministry’s security, traffic, and organizational plans for the Hajj season 1444.
Participants included the Director of Public Security and Chairman of the Hajj Security Committee, Lieutenant-General Mohammad bin Abdullah Al-Bassami; the commander of the Special Emergency Forces at the Presidency of State Security, Major General Mohammed Al-Omari; the Director of the Civil Defense Forces, Major General Dr. Hamoud Sulaiman Al-Faraj; and the Commander of Passports Forces for Umrah, Major General Dr. Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba.
At the outset of the press conference, Lt. Gen. Al-Bassami said: "The general plan for the tasks and responsibilities of the Hajj security forces for this year, approved by the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, has focused on intensifying the field security presence in a way that ensures the speedy monitoring of all types of security cases and remarks, rapid response with appropriate measures, and taking preventive measures to counter crime, combat pickpocketing, and any negative phenomena that affect the security and safety of pilgrims.”
He emphasized the application of the principle of prevention and safety for pilgrims by transporting pilgrims inside the Grand Mosque, the central area, and the holy sites; balancing traffic in security control centers at the entrances to Makkah, the holy sites, and the roads leading to it; managing and organizing traffic for the smooth movement of vehicles and pedestrians; and managing intersections and main roads.
Maj. Gen. Al-Omari explained that the Special Emergency Forces are working to maintain security and order in Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites to ensure protection for the Kingdom’s guests, prevent violators of Hajj regulations from entering the holy sites, manage the movement of crowds, and organize the throwing of pebbles at Jamarat according to security plans and crowd management in the southern square of the Grand Mosque.
Maj. Gen. Al-Faraj confirmed the preparations and readiness of the Civil Defense Forces for Hajj in Makkah, the holy sites, and Madinah in terms of implementing the preventive, educational, and operational aspects; managing the situation through the Al-Mashaer Operations Center; activating the role of volunteers in Makkah and the holy sites and the Haram Support Forces; cooperating with government agencies in addressing emergencies under the emergency general plan; and coordinating efforts through the Hajj Emergency Operations Center.
Maj. Gen. Al-Murabba announced the completion of the passport department’s plan for the arrival stage. He said 1,604,772 pilgrims arrived from outside the Kingdom to perform the Hajj ritual, including 238,708 who benefited from the Makkah Route initiative. He emphasized the provision of support and assistance to all parties participating in the Hajj season at the holy sites.
