Riyadh: As Haj pilgrimage begins in Saudi Arabia this week there are concerns that al-Qaida may target the holy sites. Saudi Arabia had earlier this month detained 136 foreign and Saudi militants, some posing as pilgrims, who were planning a series of suicide bombings and assassinations around the desert country of 24 million people.
Intelligence reports indicate al-Qaida's plans to set off a wave of suicide bombings and assassinations. The situation is tense given that more than 2 million Muslims from all over the world come to Mecca to perform Haj.
Adding to the concern is the threat of Shia-Sunni violence with sectarian killings that have brought neighbouring Iraq to the brink of civil war. There is also the standoff in Lebanon between a Sunni-led government and Shia protestors
Besides that stampedes due to overcrowding at the Mecca shrine remain a perennial concern. The authorities have deployed 50,000 security personnel for the duration of the Haj.
"We have been prepared to deal with the worst, may God forbid it, including things that can be deadlier than sectarian violence, stampedes or building collapses," said a senior police officer in Makkah.
Over 2 million Muslims begin the Haj in Saudi Arabia this week amid tight security and increased safety measures.
Iranian and other pilgrims have used the Haj for political protests in the past. "There is enough violence and bloodshed on the news about Muslims. Shame on those who provoke or get involved in more violence against fellow Muslims and spoil the Haj for themselves and others," said Iranian teacher Ahmed Nasifi, in Makkah for Haj.
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