Spl forces deployed to protect Hajj pilgrims

Security men "who have been trained and deployed in previous Hajj seasons, in addition to those trained this year, will do the job," Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz said during a visit to Makkah.

Pictures of parading armed security men, armoured vehicles, helicopters, fire brigades and ambulances were spread across local newspapers following the minister's inspection tour on Saturday of security procedures for the largest annual Muslim gathering.

Saudi Arabia has been battling a wave of violence by al-Qaeda-linked militants who have carried out a spate of attacks that have left more than 100 people dead, including many foreigners, since May 2003.

Prince Nayef said security forces remained alert to combat terrorists across the kingdom, adding that "events speak for themselves," in reference to recent efforts by security authorities in combating Islamist militants.

Four wanted militants were killed on January 9 in a shootout with security forces in a desert area, while 10 others, including two of the kingdom's most wanted men, were killed last month in two days of clashes in Riyadh.

The incidents occurred before and after two car bombings against security targets in the capital on December 29, including the interior ministry itself.

"If something happens, or if there is an intention (to carry out terrorist attacks), it will be fought with conviction and all (our) strength," Prince Nayef said.