MAKKAH — Security authorities have installed 852 CCTV cameras in different parts of the Grand Mosque to ensure the safety of pilgrims and worshippers and prevent overcrowding, said Maj. Gen. Mohammed Wasel Al-Ahmadi, commander of the special security force. "These cameras are linked directly with the operations room where 200 large monitors have been installed to follow the security situation inside and outside the mosque and ensure comfort and well-being of the guests of God," Al-Ahmadi told Okaz/Saudi Gazette in an exclusive interview. He said the cameras and monitors help manage the movement of hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who come to the mosque to perform Umrah, regular prayers and the Taraweeh during the holy month of Ramadan. "The operation room provides guidance to field security officers to deal with various situations, including overcrowding inside the mosque and its surrounding plazas," Al-Ahmadi said. "We make continuous changes in our operation plans inside the mosque depending on emerging situations and the dense crowds," the commander said. "We have conducted a workshop for our officers to enhance their skills and capabilities in crowd control and management." [caption id="attachment_62730" align="alignright" width="216"] Maj. Gen. Mohammed Al-Ahmadi[/caption]Al-Ahmadi urged pilgrims and worshippers to cooperate with security officers and other service providers, follow rules and security instructions, and keep away from crowded areas to preserve the safety of themselves and others. Okaz/Saudi Gazette visited the operations room of the special security force and witnessed highly qualified officers, sitting behind television screens, monitoring security situation in the Haram and giving instructions to field officers to tackle potentially dangerous situations. Maj. Mansour Al-Qahtani, head of the operations room, said his department was using the most advanced cameras and television screens for crowd management and monitor the movement of pilgrims and worshippers around the clock. "We can see the developments inside and outside the mosque and give instructions to the field staff to tackle overcrowding and other situations to ensure the smooth flow of pilgrims. We also coordinate with other agencies that extend services to pilgrims," he added. The operations room monitors movement of pilgrims and worshippers at the mosque's gates, the mataf, or circumambulation area around the Holy Kaaba, and the area between Safa and Marwa. Field officers are instructed to direct the worshippers from crowded places to less crowded areas. Speaking about peak hours, Al-Qahtani said it begins after the Asr prayer when a large number of believers come to the Haram to take part in iftar and Maghreb, Isha and Taraweeh prayers. "We expect a big increase in the number of visitors in the coming days of Ramadan," Al-Qahtani said. He said the operations room deals with security and organizational matters. "The CCTV cameras give us a good picture of the situation inside and outside the mosque. A number of officers have been appointed to coordinate with field teams," he explained. Al-Qahtani added: "The operations room is considered the ever watchful eye of the special security force. It helps security officers to follow up developments in mataf, inside the mosque and in the plazas and give instructions to close some gates, especially when they see the mataf, the halls and passages of the mosque overcrowded with worshippers." Apart from making strenuous efforts to ensure the safety of pilgrims and worshippers, the special forces are also engaged in assisting pilgrims. "Our officers provide necessary guidance and support to pilgrims whenever required or requested," he added.
