Saudi Arabian security forces took part in a military parade in Mecca on Sunday (August 4) as pilgrims around the world started to converge towards the Muslim holy city for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Over 1,600,000 pilgrims have already arrived in Saudi Arabia for the Haj, according to Saudi Arabia's Hajj ministry. The majority of them are residing in Mecca while others are staying in Medina, the ministry added.
With all guns blazing, the parade portrayed training exercises of Saudi security forces taking on armed attackers and tackling blazing buildings. The event is annually held to reflect on the preparations to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
Every able-bodied Muslim is supposed to undertake the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime.
(Source: Reuters)