RIYADH: The Saudi Arabia security forces participated in different military exercises in Makkah, Mina, Muzdalifah, and Mount Arafat on Saturday in order to ensure the safety of Hajj pilgrims.

“The safety of Hajj pilgrims is among our priorities,” the Saudi defence ministry said in a statement.

Kingdom’s defence ministry had organised the drill. The personnel of Saudi Arabia’s special commando forces also participated in it. Hostage and rescue, compound clearance, cordon and search, and explosive handling were part of the exercise. The exercise focused on interoperability, quick decision making and swift action at the tactical level.

More than 10,000 army personnel were deployed for Hajj security this year and the process of vigilance was also being done through helicopters.

Last year, Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, the general authority for military industries governor, said that the kingdom would invest more than $20 billion in its domestic military industry over the next decade.