The Border Guard has beefed up its marine and land patrols to ensure a safe and secure Haj, said Lt. Gen. Zamim Bin Jubair Al-Sawat, Director General of the Border Guard. Al-Sawat said 1,688 officers and non-commissioned officers have been selected to provide support services for other security agencies this year at various checkpoints at the holy sites. The officers will help lost pilgrims and also tackle those who are traveling without Haj permits. The Border Guard Search and Rescue Forces will also support the Civil Defense Rescue Forces in any emergencies. The Border Guard forces consist of eight marine boats staffed with 750 officers and soldiers, 37 patrol cars and 25 rescue and research machines. All the officers have received intensive training to deal with any emergency involving ships transporting pilgrims. Al-Sawat said troops will be tasked with watching the Red Sea Gate Project and the Haj terminal. They will also secure large tankers carrying fuel for the vehicles of pilgrims and tow away any damaged cars. Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Abdullah Al-Zahrani, Assistant Commander of Haj Control Center, said more than 400 extra CCTV cameras will be put in place during the Haj. This means there will be an incredible 2,080 cameras covering all the ritual sites and roads. These cameras are to provide security and regulate traffic flow. “This year we are heavily dependent on technology and cameras to monitor Haj activities all over the ritual sites,” Al
