Eighteen S92 and Blackhawk helicopters will monitor the movement of pilgrims during this year’s hajj.
The helicopters are stationed in the cities of Makkah and Madina in a bid to ensure security and safety. Their presence is geared towards preventing any stampedes or traffic congestion during hajj.
The aircraft are also able to combat fires and airlift any injured pilgrims to medical facilities.
“The air force security has been supported, this year, with an additional number of pilots and aircraft. Now, all aircraft are ready to practice their functions and so far the strategy is being applied as planned,” Ayesh Sufyani, an aviation security commander, told Al Arabiya TV.
Four hundred participants from the aviation security taskforce are now on standby in case of an emergency.
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