For the first time, the Saudi Interior Ministry coordinated with the
military and other government ministries to identify and track threats. The
ministry also assembed an air fleet that maintained constant surveillance
over the Mecca area.
"The preparation for the Haj operation is a round-the-year process, but
actual ground preparations begin three or four months before Haj," Al
Katheeri, chief of operations at King Fahd air base, said. "And we start
flying regular sorties from the 1st of Dul Hijah."
In a briefing on Nov. 26, Al Katheeri outlined operations by the Saudi
air force, Middle East Newsline reported. He said pilgrims were constantly monitored by a helicopter fleet
during their trek from Mina to Mount Arafat.
"During our surveillance we keep a watch on the movement of people who
smuggle illegal pilgrims into the holy sites for Haj," Al Katheeri said.
"The moment we notice any such activity we inform our ground support
personnel who immediately intercept them."
The quiet was maintained despite threats by Iran, angered by
restrictions on the Haj. Officials said Iranians largely observed Saudi
regulations, particularly during the trek around Mount Arafat.
"No one was arrested," Interior Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Mansour Al
Turki told a news conference on late Nov. 27.
The air force has been flying at least eight helicopters around Mecca to
monitor the Haj. The fleet contained an air ambulance.
The Saudi military has acknowledged infiltration of the Arab kingdom by
Shi'ite rebels from Yemen. A senior Saudi officer told King Abdullah on Nov.
27 that the rebels, said to have been supported by Iran, were expelled.
"The armed forces have responded to Your Majesty's order to clean out
the land of the armed infiltration of a deviant and hired group," Maj. Gen.
Said Al Qahtani, chief of General Security, said.
