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ABU DHABI — Saudi Arabia has completed a major security exercise for upcoming pilgrimages to Mecca.

Officials said the Interior Ministry oversaw an exercise meant to enhance the security forces for the Haj pilgrimage in early October.

They said the exercise took place in Mecca and included live fire and rescue operations.

“They are ready to face any challenge,” Interior Ministry public security director Maj. Gen. Othman Al Mihrij said.

Officials said the Interior Ministry oversaw the deployment of 70,000 officers for the Haj. They said the ministry was preparing the force for Mecca as well as nearby Islamic sites.

The recent exercise included scenarios of hostage rescue, hand-to-hand combat and patrols. Officials said the ground operations were supported by helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft amid threats by Islamic State of Iraq and Levant.

“We know that the IS is supported by certain countries and organizations but we are well prepared to confront them with all our force and determination,” Interior Minister Prince Mohammed Bin Nayef said. “Our security forces have foiled hundreds of terrorist operations in the past.”

Officials said Saudi security forces were placed on alert for the Haj. They said the Interior Ministry was cooperating with the Defense Ministry and National Guard Ministry.

“They are the shields of the nation,” Al Mihrij said.

  000 for Haj pligrimage in October, ISIL threat at Mecca: Saudis complete exercise for upcoming pilgrimage, Mecca, Mohammed Bin Nayef