MINA: Saudi authorities are carrying out helicopter surveillance flights around the clock to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims during Hajj.

Under the Hajj Security Forces, the Security Aviation Command, operating under the Presidency of State Security, in collaboration with the Royal Saudi Air Force, this Hajj season is witnessing the deployment of advanced aircraft to oversee the movements of pilgrims in Makkah and its surrounding holy sites.

Speaking to the Interior Ministry’s Snapchat account, Col. Shaker bin Sulaiman Al-Tuwaijiri, deputy commander of the Hajj Security Forces’ aerial surveillance operations, said that the Hajj security forces are supervising the movement of pilgrims from the sky day and night.

“Flights of the General Security Aviation Command and the Royal Saudi Air Forces are deployed using top-tier helicopters, the latest technological enablers and artificial intelligence,” he said, adding that staff members are highly qualified due to their cumulative experience.

The patrols are crucial for monitoring the density of pilgrim crowds, ensuring that potential disruptions and dangers are swiftly identified and addressed, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The mission is closely integrated with the Hajj Command and Control Center, which receives live videos and images for prompt analysis and responsive action on the ground.

The information helps ground personnel manage the movement of vehicles and pilgrims between locations.

Some security helicopters, such as the S-92, are equipped with 270-foot rescue winches, thermal cameras operating in infrared and laser wavelengths, and a cargo hook capable of lifting more than 4.5 tonnes.

The helicopter also includes medical rescue and care devices that can be installed inside the cabin as needed. Passenger cabin seats can be configured for evacuation purposes.

The S-92 features an autopilot system and flight management and planning controls, according to the Interior Ministry’s website.

MINA: Hajj pilgrims began the ritual stoning of the devil, throwing pebbles at the Jamarat, three stone pillars, on the first day of Tashreeq, which also coincides with the second day of Eid Al-Adha.

The ritual stoning began with Jamarat Al-Oula (the small pillar), continuing with Jamarat Al-Wusta (the middle pillar) and finally Jamarat Al-Aqaba (the large pillar), following in the Prophet Muhammad’s footsteps, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Numerous designated pathways across the various floors of the Jamarat facility ensured a smooth flow of pilgrims and eased crowd management. The innovative, multilevel structure was engineered to distribute pilgrims efficiently during the throwing ritual.

Pedestrian bridges connect the Jamarat to the Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro Line and surrounding pilgrim camps in Mina, allowing for safe and convenient movement, SPA reported.