Four members of the government?s 100,000-strong security force keep an eye on just a handful of the 5,000 CCTV cameras operating
Members of an elite counterterrorism unit, traffic police and emergency civil defence personnel are among those deployed to help with crowd control and safety.
They are supported by additional troops from the army and national guard, Major General Mansour Al Turki,
a spokesman for Saudi Arabia?s Interior Ministry, said.
The pilgrimage comes as Saudi faces an escalation of Islamic State group attacks that have killed dozens of people this year.
Al Turki vowed militants ?cannot control a centimetre anywhere in Saudi Arabia?.
?We?re active, we?re awake,? Al Turki said, referring to the security forces? readiness to deal with any eventuality.
Inside the Interior Ministry?s nerve centre, police will monitor dozens of screens with feeds from about 5,000 CCTV cameras installed throughout Mecca and Medina.
On Thursday, the kingdom?s military and police took part in a parade and drill demonstrating their readiness to protect pilgrims from attacks or accidents.
It was attended by Crown Prince and Interior Minister Prince Mohammed bin Nayef Al Saud.
Three million people from around the world are expected to converge at the Kaaba, in Mina and other nearby areas for the Haj.
Agencies
