Col. Talal Al-Shalhoub, security spokesman of the Ministry of Interior, reaffirmed that Saudi Arabia will not permit the Holy Sites to be used for activities unrelated to Islamic Shariah law.
"The security authorities will stand firmly against any attempts to disturb the peace of pilgrims and will deal strongly with any violations. The safety and security of the guests of God is a red line that must not be crossed," he stated at the daily press conference during the Hajj season.
Al-Shalhoub highlighted the successful implementation of the first phase of the transportation plan, ensuring pilgrims are smoothly and comfortably moved to the Holy Sites. Pilgrims have been transported from the Grand Mosque in Makkah to Mina for the Day of Tarwiyah, staying overnight in preparation for the pinnacle of Hajj, the standing at Arafat on Saturday.
From April 29, 2024, 160 fake Hajj campaigns were seized, and 135,098 vehicles were turned back between May 4 and Friday. Additionally, 6,135 violators of residency, work, and border security regulations were apprehended in Makkah from April 19 to Friday.
During this period, 250,381 non-residents of Makkah and 256,481 visit visa holders were turned back.
