Saudi hails ‘smooth’ Mecca Hajj

Mina : Saudi Arabia yesterday reported no major security incidents or health scares at this year’s pilgrimage, as the faithful embarked on the last leg of the five-day hajj. 

Saudi Arabia says it has deployed more than 100,000 security personnel to keep pilgrims safe this year.

According to the Saudi state news agency SPA, 2.35 million Muslims are participating in the latest pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest site in Islam, including 1.75 million from outside the kingdom.

Speaking at a press conference in nearby Mina, Major General Mansour al-Turki, an interior ministry spokesman, said his country was determined to ensure a “smooth” pilgrimage.

“Our plan for nafra (the ritual return from Mina to Mecca) lived up to the required standard,” said Colonel Sami al-Shweirekh of Saudi Arabia’s General Security, hailing the “success” of security measures.

Tight security was in place to safeguard this year’s pilgrimage launched on Wednesday, with authorities saying they had deployed more than 100,000 personnel to oversee the hajj. Authorities also put to rest concerns over potential health hazards. “To date, there are no epidemic diseases reported,” said Meshaal al-Rabiyan, a health ministry spokesman. 

Traditionally, seven pebbles are thrown at a post representing the devil, emulating the actions of the biblical prophet, Abraham.

Since 2004, it has been replaced by walls to accommodate the rising numbers of pilgrims.

The stoning ritual, which lasts under Sunday, marks the first day of the Eid al-Adha feast, which commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son.