SAUDI ARABIA: Security Forces Issue Stern Warnings Ahead Of Hajj Pilgrimage -- L.A. Times
Handling an influx of 2.5 million pilgrims is a challenge during a good year, but at a time of increased tensions with Iran and rampant fears of swine flu, Saudi authorities are on high alert for any threat that could disrupt hajj, the annual holy Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca.
On Sunday, security forces sent a clear message to would-be saboteurs by staging a huge military demonstration involving thousands of troops, armored vehicles, helicopters, and first response teams. The Saudi government has announced it will deploy more than 100,000 security and emergency personnel for hajj, which will last from Wednesday to Sunday.
More News On This Year's Hajj
Saudi Arabia warns against protests at Hajj -- BBC
Saudi Interior Minister Warns Against Hajj Violence -- Voice of America
Saudi prince warns against disruptions to hajj -- AFP
Saudi Arabia seeks to curb flu and stop protest at haj -- Reuters
Saudi Warned Those Trying To Undermine Haj Security -- Bernama
The rites of Hajj -- Al Jazeera
What is the Hajj? -- BBC