Watch: Saudi security forces on high alert for Hajj
Female personnel participate in pilgrimage security parade
Cairo: Saudi security forces staged an impressive parade on Monday evening in Mecca, showcasing their full preparedness to protect around 2 million pilgrims attending this week’s annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Advanced vehicles and security aviation, which will be used this year to monitor the gathering of faithful in and around Mecca, were also displayed during the parade.
Additionally, Saudi authorities have intensified efforts to crack down on irregular pilgrims, announcing the capture of thousands of foreign visitors attempting to perform the Hajj without official permits.
Security officials reported apprehending 140 fake Hajj campaigns and 64 transporters who violated Hajj regulations earlier this week. Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al Bassami, Chief of Public Security and head of the Hajj Security Committee, disclosed that 97,664 unauthorized vehicles and 171,587 non-residents of Mecca have been turned away and denied access to the city.
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