Saudi Arabia has deployed 95,000 police forces in Makkah and other holy sites to ensure the safety and security of nearly 2 million pilgrims during this Haj season, said Interior Minister, Prince Muhammad bin Naif, while urging pilgrims not to exploit the annual event for political purposes.

He also emphasized the readiness of security forces to confront any possible terrorist attack or threats during the annual pilgrimage.

“We have established a special Haj and Umrah force with 40,000 men for the first time,” the prince said.

He added: “We hope pilgrims will be able to perform his Haj rituals with peace and tranquility.”

The prince said that Saudi Arabia would not allow anybody to make Haj a platform for staging political conflicts or sectarian differences.

He also warned pilgrims that any such disturbances could be catastrophic because of the presence of a large number of people in a small area.

Prince Muhammad, who inspected security forces camped in Mina and other Haj arrangements, said his forces have taken measures to ensure pilgrims’ security.

“Saudi Arabia is honored to serve the guests of God and provide them with a secure atmosphere to perform their religious duties with comfort,” the minister said.

He noted the support being extended by Defense Ministry forces, the National Guard and general intelligence forces to police to maintain law and order during the Haj season.

Prince Muhammad said: “We are now in the process of mobilizing the new Haj and Umrah force. We have provided the team with equipment and training to carry out its services to pilgrims throughout the year.”

He said ongoing expansion works at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah would enable more pilgrims to perform Haj in the coming years.

He also advised Saudis and expats to follow Haj regulations.

“Electronic gates have been installed to ensure that only those holding valid Haj permits enter the holy sites,” he said.