A military exercise in Mecca in which Saudi Arabian Special Forces demonstrate their readiness to ensure security at the Haj pilgrimage.<br/> Millions of Muslims have started to arrive in the holy city to perform the Haj, one of the five pillars of Islam.<br/> 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.<br/> 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.<br/> SOUNDBITE (Arabic) SAUDI CROWN PRINCE AND INTERIOR MINISTER PRINCE NAYEF BIN ABDULAZIZ:<br/> "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."<br/> Clashes in 1987 between Iranian pilgrims and Saudi security forces led to the death of hundreds of people.<br/> Nick Rowlands, Reuters.
