Okaz/Saudi Gazette/SPA RIYADH/MAKKAH — Prince Naif, Second Deputy Premier, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Haj Committee, has approved the Civil Defense's safety and security plan for this year's Haj, said Lt. Gen. Saad Al-Twaijiri, Civil Defense Director General. The Civil Defense, Al-Twaijiri said, has deployed a workforce of 21,900 at 450 sites in Makkah and Madina. Moreover, 5,900 machines and pieces of equipment have been installed for the convenience of the pilgrims. A total of 19 airplanes have been equipped with the latest sophisticated devices and are able to work around-the-clock in any weather conditions. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) quoted Al-Twaijiri as saying that the Civil Defense has identified 12 “possible dangerous areas” during this year's Haj. Al-Twaijiri said preparations for this year's Haj started soon after the successful Haj of last year. “This gave us ample time to overcome any shortcomings,” he said. The Civil Defense is working with other security bodies to ensure the alignment of services and operations, he said. The official also praised the efforts of the government in providing the best possible security for the Guests of Allah. He said the Civil Defense's plan for this year's Haj is now fully operational. Meanwhile, Col. Yahya Al-Zahrani, Commander of the Grand Mosque security force, said women have been employed to help with translations. The Grand Mosque's security forces consist of 29 officers and 1,600 non-commissioned officers. Al-Zahrani said this year's plan will be carried out in three stages. He also urged the Tawafa establishments to stick to the grouping plans to avoid any overcrowding inside the Holy Mosque. __
