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Monday, September 6, 2010     INTELLIGENCE BRIEFING

Saudis install 1,700 cameras to monitor Mecca pilgrims

ABU DHABI — Saudi Arabia has installed and operated an advanced command and control system to monitor millions of pilgrims for the annual Haj.

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Officials said the Saudi Interior Ministry has overseen the procurement and installation of communications equipment and sensors to monitor the Haj. They said the Civil Defense Department has been operating an advanced C2 facility that directed surveillance by thousands of cameras throughout Mecca.

"Our department has set up 1,700 cameras at the entry and exit points of the holy city as well as in the central Haram area and the holy sites," Capt. Walid Abu Shanab, civil defense operations director in Mecca, said. "These cameras help us monitor any situation throughout the city."

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Officials said the C2 center was operating through a range of wireless communicatons channels. They said data received through cameras, sensors or aircraft would be relayed to headquarters for rapid response.

"Our field staff swing into action based on images from these cameras," Abu Shanab said. "There are patrol units, equipped with highly advanced communications equipment, that can rush to the scene of any reported incident on motorcycles, even through narrow roads."

Officials said thousands of security forces would be on alert for any insurgency attack during the annual pilgrimage, already attended by 3.8 million people. They said the Civil Defense Department was reinforced by security units as well as helicopter surveillance.

The C2 center has been equipped with advanced technology to detect hoaxes. Officials said hoaxes could be employed by insurgency groups to reduce readiness by security forces or divert manpower.

"We have special field teams to verify the authenticity of information we receive before embarking on rescue missions," Abu Shanab said.

Officials said Saudi authorities have also increased security in the capital Riyad. They said authorities expected an increase in crime before the annual Islamic festival of Id El Fitr, particularly in shopping malls and mosques closed during the forthcoming pilgrimage.

"We have set up a comprehensive security plan during the pre-Id period in shopping malls, mosques and other public places," Riyad police director Maj. Gen. Saud Bin Abdul Aziz Al Hilal.



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