In a first, Saudi women soldiers stand guard during Haj pilgrimage

The first group of Saudi women soldiers are helping secure the haj annual pilgrimage at islam’s holiest sites.

Since April, dozens of female soldiers have become part of the security services that monitor pilgrims in Mecca and Medina, the birth places of Islam.

They are dressed in military khaki uniform, with a hip-length jacket, loose trousers and a black beret over a veil covering their hair.