Poachers held for hunting Arabian gazelles

if one is at increased risk. Earlier, the representatives Oman Haj Mission have said that service of officials at the holy land would be available any time as more flights carrying Haj pilgrims from Oman touched down King Abdul Aziz Airport in Saudi Arabia.

“Service of official Omani Haj delegation will be available whenever the pilgrims need and Hajjajis are requested to report to the officials should they need the service of the official”, Abdul Aziz al Ghafri, Deputy Head of Oman Haj Mission told the Observer. Authorities in Oman arrested a number of citizens on Tuesday for hunting Arabian gazelles from the Al Sireen Nature Reserve. The arrests were made by wildlife inspectors from the Office for Conservation of the Environment at the Diwan of Royal Court in cooperation with Royal Oman Police.

“The poachers, during the raid, resisted the arrest and pointed guns at the officers in an attempt to flee the crime scene before they were arrested,” a statement said

They are facing several charges including poaching, threatening police officers by using fire arms, reckless driving and interrupting police officers while performing their duty.

The ministry urged citizens, expatriates and tourists to preserve wildlife and environment, warning that violations are punishable by a 2003 Royal Decree.

Killing, hunting or smuggling protected animals and birds is punishable in the Sultanate by up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of RO 5,000.

Hajjajis should drink plenty of liquids, protect against sunburn, take extra precautions with certain medications and be cautious if one is at increased risk