Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

King Abdullah praises “colossal efforts” of Saudi security forces | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Salman receiving military officers and the heads of Hajj delegations at the Royal Palace on October 4, 2014 (SPA)


Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Salman receiving military officers and the heads of Hajj delegations at the Royal Palace on October 4, 2014 (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Salman receiving military officers and the heads of Hajj delegations at the Royal Palace on October 4, 2014 (SPA)

Mina, Asharq Al-Awsat—Custodian of the Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz praised on Saturday the “colossal efforts” of the Saudi security forces in protecting Hajj pilgrims this year and their role in safeguarding the Kingdom from “errant groups.”

Speaking on behalf of King Abdullah on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdulaziz spoke in Mina, 3 miles (5 kilometers) east of Mecca, in the presence of members of the Saudi Royal Family, ministers, religious leaders, and leaders of fellow Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Addressing members of the Kingdom’s security services, he said: “I congratulate you on this occasion of the blessed Eid Al-Adha . . . on your honorable service and colossal efforts toward the visitors to God’s House [Hajjis], enabling them to conduct their rituals with ease and comfort and in peace and tranquility.”

He continued: “You are the grandsons of great men who, together with their leader, the founder of this nation, King Abdulaziz, built this country. Today, you are continuing their mission of generosity and sacrifice, a great and serious responsibility which can only be undertaken by those whose hearts are filled with faith, loyalty and sincerity.”

King Abdullah also praised those who had defended the country from the “agents of the devil from aberrant groups,” in reference to extremist and terrorist groups.

“We will never forget these martyrs of duty who gave their lives to protect their country, its lands and its sovereignty. We ask God to cover them with His mercy and to grant them the stations of the righteous. And may all of [these] fighters for truth who are hurt or harmed know that this is a mark of honor, one we hold in great esteem,” King Abdullah said.

Also speaking on this occasion was Nasir Al-Mahraj, the head of the Hajj Security Committee, the government body which oversees all security issues for the pilgrimage. He also praised the role of the security forces belonging to the Interior Ministry and National Guard, as well as those from the country’s intelligence services, and Prince Mishal Bin Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Mecca and head of the Central Hajj Committee, in safeguarding the conduct of pilgrims during this year’s Hajj.