Saudi Security Ready To Ensure Peaceful Haj

From Mohamad Bakri Darus MECCA, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- Saudi Arabia's security forces have completed all preparations to ensure a peaceful Haj and the highest level of security for pilgrims to perform the rituals with ease and comfort. Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Prince Naif Abdul Aziz said Saudi security forces were ready to deal with any eventuality during the great events starting Saturday (9th Zulhijjah). "We are ready to deal with any matter. Our means are peaceful, except for those who want to create mischief," the crown prince told a news conference through an interpreter in Mina, near here. Earlier, the Crown Prince, who is also chairman of the Supreme Haj Committee, made an inspection tour of the holy sites where he reviewed the security and other arrangements for the pilgrims. On that day (Nov 5), after zohor prayers, about three million pilgrims will already be in Arafat for the wukuf or the grand standing ritual. After a day-long stay in Arafat, the pilgrims will move to another plain at Muzdalifah and later to Mina to continue with other rituals like the stoning at Jamrat, sacrificing animals and performing the tawaf round the Kaaba at the Masjidil Haram, regarded as the most sacred mosque by Muslims. Local journalists and more than 100 from other Islamic countries have been shown preparations by the Saudi security forces, including the police, in ensuring security and comfort for the Haj pilgrims. Besides displaying the vehicles and modern equipment, the elite forces also showed their preparedness in dealing with any violent threat. Helicopters will also be used for security surveillance of the movements of pilgrims in Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina. -- BERNAMA