Gulf | Saudi Arabia
Security strengthened at Makkah for Umrah
The onset of Ram-adan has witnessed a rush of Umrah pilgrims to Makkah. As Ramadan coincides with this year's summer vacation, authorities expect the numbers to rise.
- By Mariam Al Hakeem, Correspondent
- Published: 23:47 September 3, 2008
Riyadh: The onset of Ram-adan has witnessed a rush of Umrah pilgrims to Makkah. As Ramadan coincides with this year's summer vacation, authorities expect the numbers to rise.
Authorities have deployed 7,600 security personnel to ensure smooth operations at the mosques. This is the first time that such a large number of personnel have taken part in the implementation of the security plan during Ramadan.
According to security officials, no serious incident has been reported.
Meanwhile, millions of worshippers crowded into the mosque to offer Tara-weeh prayers heralding the advent of Ramadan.
It is believed that about a million people performed Taraweeh prayers in Makkah.
In Madinah, about 400 security personnel were deployed in the Central Zone to facilitate the flow of pedestrians heading for the mosque.
Meanwhile, the Madinah Charitable Society has started providing Ramadan supplies to more than 21,000 poor families. About 18,000 of these families live in the villages on the outskirts of Madinah and 3,000 live inside the Prophet's City.
Shaikh Iyad Shokri, an official at the charity, said preparations are under way to distribute 750,000 Iftar meals inside the Prophet's Mosque, at the city's entries, and at several points on highways.
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