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Hajj pilgrimage draws to a close Hajj pilgrimage draws to a close
(1 day later)
Millions of Muslims are taking part in the final day of the Hajj, which has passed without major incident after new security measures were introduced. Millions of Muslims have taken part in the final day of the Hajj, which has passed without major incident after new security measures were introduced.
Thousands of Saudi police, backed by helicopters, were deployed for the final stoning of the devil rite at the Jamirat bridge in Mina.Thousands of Saudi police, backed by helicopters, were deployed for the final stoning of the devil rite at the Jamirat bridge in Mina.
At the last Hajj, at least 345 pilgrims died in a crush during the stone-throwing ritual.At the last Hajj, at least 345 pilgrims died in a crush during the stone-throwing ritual.
Muslims are obliged to undertake the pilgrimage at least once, if able.Muslims are obliged to undertake the pilgrimage at least once, if able.
Saddam executionSaddam execution
Most pilgrims say this year the event has been well organised and they have felt safe in the knowledge that security measures have been stepped up and strictly enforced, reports the BBC's Rabiya Parekh from the Hajj. Most pilgrims said this year's event was well organised and they felt safe in the knowledge that security measures were stepped up and strictly enforced, the BBC's Rabiya Parekh reported from the Hajj.
Indian pilgrim Sayed Yousef told Reuters: "The organisation has been great. I was here two years ago, but this time there was more free food and less hassle."Indian pilgrim Sayed Yousef told Reuters: "The organisation has been great. I was here two years ago, but this time there was more free food and less hassle."
Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef said: "There have been no security violations at all at the Jamarat area."Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef said: "There have been no security violations at all at the Jamarat area."
However, some pilgrims said the Hajj was marred by the execution of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein on Saturday.However, some pilgrims said the Hajj was marred by the execution of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein on Saturday.
Sunnis in particular took exception to it being carried out on the most important festival in the Islamic faith.Sunnis in particular took exception to it being carried out on the most important festival in the Islamic faith.