Saudi Gazette

MAKKAH — Al-Shawqiyyah municipality in Makkah has demolished a number of makeshift camps and kiosks established along the Jeddah-Makkah Expressway.

Mamdouh Mohammed Iraqi, the municipality's chairman, said they organized a massive campaign against the illegal camps put up along the highway with the participation of Makkah police.

"We have demolished five large camps and 10 livestock enclosures. We confiscated about 30 heads of sheep," he said.

Iraqi said the raid was organized on the directives of Makkah Emir Prince Khaled Al-Faial, who wanted all makeshift camps erected along the highway removed.

The municipality chairman said the campers were warned against repeating these violations, which will invite harsh punishments.

"These random camps are deforming the beauty of the area and we will continue our raids and inspection tours against them," Iraqi said.