They are trained and well-equipped for rapid-response rescue operations of any nature, said Director General of Civil Defense Saad Al-Tuwaijri in a statement on Friday.

“There are different tactics and plans for the various phases of our Ramadan operations depending on the density of crowds,” he said.

“For instance, in the last 10 days of the month when the number of worshippers at the Grand Mosque is at its peak, the Civil Defense has to be extremely prepared to tackle challenges related to massive crowding. Accidents may occur on roads or because of pollution or stampedes. That is why a huge force of rescuers are kept ready both day and night,” he said.

The number of first aid workers has been increased to more than 1,000 who are ready for action round the clock, he said.

He added that 1,700 cameras monitored the movement of the worshippers inside and outside the Grand Mosque and nearby roads 24 hours a day.

The footage transmits straight to the control room from where appropriate orders would be issued to field officers, which include on-bike teams. “The footage helps considerably to identify hotspots and then take steps to solve the issue,” he said.

Al-Tuwaijri added that all accidents, violations and other reports are recorded in order to study them and develop more effective strategies in the future.

The security department in the Haram has another control room to monitor the movements inside the Grand Mosque and the courtyards.

“There is also a control room to receive and pass instant messages to the field teams so that they can act swiftly. They also catch pickpockets who generally target worshippers at crowded places at the Grand Mosque, its courtyards, as well as at public transport stations,” he said.

Brig. Gen. Ali Al-Ghamdi, commander of the Special Haj and Umrah Security Forces, said all security agencies had worked out their detailed Ramadan plan in line with the proposals and suggestions of workshops held prior to the start of the holy month.