Eight choppers provide Makkah with security

MAKKAH: The government has deployed eight helicopters over Makkah to track the movement of vehicles and people, and assist in security tasks and medical evacuations.

Maj. Gen. Mohammad Al-Harbi, commander of the Interior Ministry’s aviation security department, said the aircraft have been fitted with the latest technology including communication systems, infrared and night vision.
He said that over the first 10 days of Ramadan the choppers airlifted several sick people. One helicopter also transported the body of a martyred Border Guard in Leeth region.
Al-Harbi said the operations are conducted under the orders of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif, deputy premier and interior minister, to provide a secure and safe environment for pilgrims at the holy sites.
In a 90-minute flight over Makkah on Monday, Mohammad Al-Dossari and his assistant Mohammad Al-Ghamdi provided journalists with a view of areas covered, which includes information on traffic and movement of pilgrims.
“Flights take place several times a day with more than one helicopter taking part for an average of nine hours of flying, which can be increased if the need arises,” said Al-Harbi. He said 280 crew members are involved in the operations. He said these flights are operated by the Interior Ministry to support other security and medical operations.