Hajj pilgrims gather in Mecca under scorching desert sun

[ad_1] Millions have gathered for Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage (Image credit: AP) MECCA: More than a million Muslim pilgrims poured into the holy city of Mecca ahead of the annual hajj, with authorities vowing to hold a safer pilgrimage amid searing desert heat and a massive crackdown on illegal visitors.Officials have beefed up heat […]

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Over 2,69,000 blocked from entering Mecca without permit ahead of Hajj, say Saudi officials

[ad_1] Saudi authorities have stopped more than 269,000 people without Hajj permits from entering Mecca, officials announced on Sunday, as part of a sweeping crackdown to enforce rules ahead of this year’s pilgrimage.The Interior Ministry said the clampdown aims to reduce overcrowding and prevent a repeat of last year’s heat-related tragedies, which it partly blamed […]

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