MAKKAH — Commander of the Hajj Security Forces Maj. Gen. Zayed Al-Tuwyan warned that punitive measures will be taken against those pilgrims who attempt to enter the central area around the Holy Mosque or the holy sites without a Hajj permit. Addressing a press conference attended by Hajj security commanders, he said that all entry points on highways, as well as along sand roads or valleys are equipped with cameras. The security authorities also banned walking on foot along these routes. Maj. Gen. Abdul Rahman Al-Turki, commander of the security forces' installations, said that the forces will deploy at the entrances to Arafat and other major sites to prevent infiltration with rapid intervention and monitoring by cameras. Lt. Col. Ibrahim Al-Tariqi of the General Administration of Mujahideen said several patrol teams will be deployed in various locations to comb the security checkpoints at Arafat's entrances and tunnels to apprehend violators. For his part, Assistant Commander of the Hajj Forces for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and its courtyards Maj. Gen. Muhammad Al-Bassami said that the forces deployed at the Grand Mosque and its courtyards are fully geared up to serve the pilgrims, especially at the specific gates and doors for entry and exit. He said that female soldiers are assigned to undertake great tasks and responsibilities. Addressing the press conference, Assistant Commander of the Hajj Forces for Traffic Affairs Maj. Gen. Salman Al-Jamie said that various phases of implementing the traffic plan that relies mainly on public transport with the deployment of 2,500 buses at a frequency of 26,000 trips. There will be four stations for the buses coming to the holy sites in Al-Nouriah, Al-Zaydi, Al-Sharaie and a new station in Jamarat Square.
