A military exercise in Mecca in which Saudi Arabian Special Forces demonstrate their readiness to ensure security at the Haj pilgrimage.
Millions of Muslims have started to arrive in the holy city to perform the Haj, one of the five pillars of Islam.
Home to the religion's holiest sites, Saudi Arabia regards itself as the guardian of Islam -- and assumes responsibility for maintaining the peace when Muslims from many countries and sects get together.
Responding to a question at a news conference about the possibility of violent protests, Crown Prince Nayef - also the Interior Minister - said Saudi Arabia is well prepared.
SOUNDBITE (Arabic) SAUDI CROWN PRINCE AND INTERIOR MINISTER PRINCE NAYEF BIN ABDULAZIZ:
"We are ready to face all events, whatever they are ... our means are peaceful ... except for those who want to attack, whom we will prevent with all means."
Clashes in 1987 between Iranian pilgrims and Saudi security forces led to the death of hundreds of people.
Nick Rowlands, Reuters.
