TIGHT SECURITY FOR HAJ STONING RITUAL

Saudis deploy 100,000 security forces and 300,000 health workers

MINA

TWO million pilgrims from around the world took part yesterday in the symbolic stoning of the devil in Saudi Arabia, with tight security measures in place two years after a deadly stampede.

The ritual at the Jamarat Bridge here near Mecca marks the final major rite of the haj, a five-day pilgrimage which all Muslims must perform at least once if physically and financially able.

The stampede in Mina in 2015 claimed the lives of 2,300 people — the worst disaster in the history of the haj.

Saudi Arabia said it had taken all necessary precautions this year, with more than 100,000 members of the security forces and 30,000 health workers on hand to maintain safety and provide first aid.

The huge crowds took part in the stoning rite under strict surveillance, with police tape guiding the flow of pilgrims, cameras installed everywhere and helicopters hovering overhead.

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

Since 2004, it had been replaced by walls to accommodate the rising numbers of pilgrims.

Security forces misted pilgrims with water as they made their way to the Jamarat Bridge under the Saudi security personnel assisting pilgrims in Mina, near Mecca yesterday. (Inset) Pilgrims taking part in the symbolic stoning of the devil at the Jamarat Bridge in Mina. hot sun.

By 8am, pilgrims were already reaching for their umbrellas as temperatures rose above 30°C.

“Two pilgrims fainted in front of me this morning,” said Almas Khattak, a Pakistani volunteer.

The shadow of the 2015 stampede still looms large over the ritual.

Iran, which reported the largest number of victims in the disaster, did not send its pilgrims to haj last year, as political tension between Teheran and Riyadh was on the rise and authorities in the two countries failed to agree on logistics.

Iranian authorities said more than 86,000 Iranian pilgrims took part in the haj this year, each equipped with an identity bracelet in case of any accident.

The stoning ritual marks the first day of the Aidiladha feast, or the feast of sacrifice, which commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son. Agencies