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Annual Pilgrimage to Mecca Ends Peacefully

Despite worries about security threats and an increased number of pilgrims, the annual Hajj ended peacefully in Saudi Arabia. The kingdom hosted 2.5 million visitors to the holy city of Mecca and no incident of death related to violence or accident was reported during the time period. This is in contrast to other years when many people died after being trampled to death by the millions taking part in traditional ceremonies.

In 2004, 250 people died at the Jamarat Bridge during a stone-throwing ceremony. Last January, at the exact same spot, 362 people were crushed to death. Incidents such as these are an embarrassment to the Saudi Kingdom, which is given the responsibility of caring for the well being of the visitors to Mecca and ensuring that the infrastructure and organization can withstand the huge amount of people who make their way to the Holiest of Holies each year.

50,000 security police were deployed during the Hajj to ensure that people conducted themselves in a safe and appropriate manner. These troops were given the authority to forcefully remove pilgrim squatters during the five-day celebrations. They were also on high alert for Al Quaeda terrorists who might have attempted to infiltrate the pilgrims and incite violence against the royal Saudis who are allies of the United States and other western countries.