Commander of Special Emergency Forces: Our Hajj plans are proactive and comprehensive... and we conducted 48 field exercises to enhance readiness
48 field hypotheses
Al-Omari explained that the general plan for Hajj security, issued by His Royal Highness the Minister of Interior, defined the tasks and responsibilities of all security and service agencies, and executive plans were issued from it by the Presidency of State Security to organize the work of the participating sectors, including the Special Emergency Forces.
He explained that the plans implemented by the Special Emergency Forces are characterized by integration, proactivity and flexibility, noting that they operate within a unified security system in coordination with the various parties involved in the Hajj, with the aim of achieving security and safety for the pilgrims and facilitating the performance of the ritual.
He pointed to the implementation of a large number of joint exercises and drills with the participating security and service agencies, noting that the Special Emergency Forces have so far carried out 48 field exercises related to the nature of their specialized tasks, with the aim of testing readiness and raising the efficiency of response and dealing with various possible scenarios during the season.
Security plans for special emergency forces
He added that the security plans of the Special Emergency Forces begin from the arrival of pilgrims in the Kingdom until their departure, and encompass all locations where pilgrims are present, whether in Medina, Mecca, or the Holy Sites.
Al-Omari explained that the Special Emergency Forces are present at the Prophet's Mosque through observation points and security checkpoints. They also participate within the Grand Mosque, specifically in the southern courtyard, to organize and manage crowd movement, in addition to their deployment in the Holy Sites to carry out organizational and security tasks.
He emphasized that the forces work to maintain the security cordon and prevent the entry of violators and those without proper permits into the Holy Sites, in addition to their duties at the Namira Mosque and Mount Arafat to manage crowds and regulate movement in high-density areas.
The safety of the pilgrims
He also noted the deployment of forces in the central area and around the Grand Mosque in Mecca, as well as in Arafat, Muzdalifah, and the Jamarat facility. A specialized operational force manages the flow of pilgrims within the Jamarat facility from their entry until their exit, ensuring smooth movement and the safety of the pilgrims.
The commander of the Special Emergency Forces emphasized the forces' readiness for rapid intervention and to address any security or organizational developments, stressing that security operations during Hajj rely on the integration of various military, security, and service sectors.
Al-Omari expressed his gratitude to all security and military agencies, ministries, and service providers involved in implementing the Hajj plans, praising the efforts of security personnel in serving the pilgrims. He prayed that God would accept the pilgrims' Hajj and grant the Kingdom continued security, stability, and prosperity.
