Military & Defense

Here's how Saudi Arabia's security forces are preparing for one of the largest gatherings of people in the world

Jeremy Bender

2015-09-18T15:08:14Z

saudi security forces — Members of Saudi security forces take part in a military parade in preparation for the annual Haj pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca. Reuters/Ahmad Masood

Next week starts the beginning of the Hajj, an annual Muslim pilgrimage to the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca.

The Hajj is one of the largest gatherings of people in the world, with over 2 million pilgrims expecting to make the journey. In preparation for the crush of people and the general volatility rocking the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is putting its security forces at high alert.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef has said that the kingdom is “ready prevent the exploitation of the Hajj season for political or propaganda reasons.”

And the kingdom has stepped up policing over concerns that ISIS could use the Hajj as the perfect opportunity to launch attacks throughout the country.

As part of Saudi Arabia's preparations, the country is marshaling its security forces and deploying them in massive show of force military parades.

Saudi Arabia is ramping up its security services ahead of the start of the hajj next week.

Saudi Arabia military parade — Members of Saudi security forces take part in a military parade in preparation for the annual Haj pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca September 17, 2015. Ahmad Masood/REUTERS

An estimated 2 to 3 million people are expected to attend the annual pilgrimage.

Due to the ongoing volatility of the Middle East, and the rise of ISIS, Saudi Arabia is particularly concerned with security this year.

In response to security threats, Saudi Arabia launched a large scale military parade yesterday.

The parade is likely intended as a show of force, as well as increasing the operating capabilities of the country's forces.

Saudi Arabia has also committed massive resources to tracking and busting ISIS cells within the country.

In July, Saudi Arabia busted an ISIS cell containing 431 members.

And within the last week Saudi Arabia has arrested an additional two ISIS suspects within the kingdom.

The Hajj is expected to last from September 21 to 26.

Saudi Arabia Military Defense