Relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia have worsened amid the Shi'ite rebellion in neighboring Yemen. Both Riyad and Sanaa have identified Iran as the leading arms and training supplier to the Shi'ite rebels.

In a briefing, Al Omani said this marked the first deployment of the special forces for the Haj, attended by two million Muslims, Middle East Newsline reported. He said CI units would protect Saudi Interior Ministry facilities and officials during the pilgrimage against such threats as bombings and ambushes.

"All the other security units will also play their role in supporting this unit to fulfill its mission," Al Omani said.

Officials said more than 63,000 troops, many of whom underwent combat exercises, would secure the Haj. They said a key threat was violence from Iranian pilgrims, who have complained of Saudi discrimination.

"The Interior Ministry has mobilized all its forces and resources to ensure the security and safety of Haj pilgrims," Al Omani said.

Officials said Haj security was regarded as the top priority of the Saudi kingdom. They said Saudi King Abdullah would remain in Mecca throughout the pilgrimage to oversee security and other arrangements.

Al Omani said the Saudi Interior Ministry has also for the first time deployed helicopters and other aircraft to secure the Haj. He cited the prospect that Yemeni Shi'ite rebels and their supporters would try to disrupt the pilgrimage.

"There will be air surveillance for the first time this year," Al Omani said. "This is mainly aimed at preventing infiltration especially in the wake of the ongoing military operation [against the Yemeni rebels] in the southern border regions."

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