Haj security forces have finalized plans to handle pilgrims on the first day of Tashreeq especially in the Jamrat area. A large force of newly trained security personnel has been assigned to regulate the flow of pilgrims toward the Jamrat Bridge. Civil Defense teams of 5,000 cadets have also been mobilized to oversee the movement of the pilgrims during the stoning ritual. Saudi Red Crescent volunteers have taken positions at different sites in Mina to provide medical assistance to pilgrims. According to Col. Zuhair Saibih, head of the Civil Defense force at the Jamrat Bridge, about 2,000 civil defense officers were trained to deal with emergencies and evacuation plans. Zuhair said that his department has devised a special plan to deal with this ritual and enable pilgrims to perform their rites smoothly. “We have divided Al-Jamrat area into different zones to deal with any unexpected event,” Zuhair said. He added that his force will monitor all the areas surrounding the Jamrat Bridge with cameras to control the flow of pilgrims. Muhammad Al-Zahrani, another official, said a section of the force will be responsible for ensuring that pilgrims are not carrying any luggage or other belongings while coming for the stoning ritual. “We will take their luggage from them before they approach the bridge,” Al-Zahrani said. Earlier, Civil Defense launched an awareness campaign for the pilgrims who began arriving in Mina Friday evening. The campaign included posters and instructions informing pilgrims about the directions of Jamrat and the roads leading to the Grand Mosque. About 100,000 Saudi security personnel are overseeing security, traffic and other arrangements in the holy sites.
