Mina Prepares to Bid Pilgrims Farewell after Successful, Exceptional Hajj Season

 Pilgrims praying after stoning the devil at Mina’s Jamarat site (AP)
Pilgrims praying after stoning the devil at Mina’s Jamarat site (AP)
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Mina Prepares to Bid Pilgrims Farewell after Successful, Exceptional Hajj Season

 Pilgrims praying after stoning the devil at Mina’s Jamarat site (AP)
Pilgrims praying after stoning the devil at Mina’s Jamarat site (AP)

As the sun sets on the second day of the Tashriq days, which follow the Eid al-Adha holiday, the holy site of Mina prepares to bid farewell to Hajj pilgrims headed to Makkah to perform the final rite of their spiritual journey.

On the second day of Eid and the first day of the Tashriq days, Hajj pilgrims had carried out the stoning of the devil ritual at Mina’s Jamarat site.

The visitors of the holy sites were given the pebbles to throw at the three walls in a disinfected bag as part of the coronavirus preventive measures.

Pilgrims were then transported out of Jamarat according to a highly detailed plan that focuses on preventative health measures that ensure their safety.

Colored tracks, floor stickers, and guiding posters aided pilgrims in easily flowing in and out of the site under close supervision from civil and security authorities helping organize this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.

Jamarat is considered one of the key sites in Mina, and is comprised of five 12-meter stories that are fully serviced to ensure enough room for pilgrims to perform their rites at ease.

After leaving Jamarat, pilgrims headed back to their camps at Mina, commonly known as the City of Tents, where they would start preparing for the final stop in their pilgrimage journey.

This includes performing the last Tawaaf (floating around the Kabah seven times) in Makkah, which is part of a series of ritual acts that must be performed during Hajj.

As for emergencies reported during this year’s Hajj, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority’s land and air ambulance teams received more than 11,000 phone calls between July 17-20 and filed 1,893 emergency reports in the holy city and holy sites.

Ambulance teams stationed in Makkah city and holy sites responded to 1,269 medical and injury cases. Out of the total cases, 602 were transferred to hospitals, and 649 were attended to on the spot.

Statistic reports of the Authority show that during the last four days, a total of 979 medical and 177 injury cases were attended to by its teams.

The central Makkah city recorded the highest number of emergency cases with 755, out of which 37 of them were reported in the Grand Mosque, 274 in Mina, and 198 cases each in Arafat and Muzdalifah.



Defense Minister Meets with Pakistan's Chief of Defense Forces

The meeting came on the sidelines of the first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee established under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. - SPA
The meeting came on the sidelines of the first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee established under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. - SPA
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Defense Minister Meets with Pakistan's Chief of Defense Forces

The meeting came on the sidelines of the first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee established under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. - SPA
The meeting came on the sidelines of the first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee established under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. - SPA

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz met in Istanbul on Monday with Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir.

This came on the sidelines of the first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee established under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.

During the meeting, they reviewed the opportunities for military and defense cooperation between the two brotherly countries, SPA reported.

They also addressed regional developments and the ongoing efforts to tackle these issues.


GCC Secretary-General Condemns Iranian Attack on UAE

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
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GCC Secretary-General Condemns Iranian Attack on UAE

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi condemned the Iranian attack on the United Arab Emirates using a UAV, affirming that the aggression constitutes a dangerous escalation and a blatant violation of the UAE’s sovereignty, security, and stability, as well as a direct threat to the safety of its citizens and residents.

He emphasized that the GCC countries stand united with the UAE in confronting all threats, SPA reported.

He also stressed the need for Iran to immediately cease these hostile acts and assume full responsibility for their repercussions, which undermine the security and stability of the region.


OIC Condemns Events in Niger

OIC Condemns Events in Niger
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OIC Condemns Events in Niger

OIC Condemns Events in Niger

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned the unfortunate events in Niamey, the capital of the Republic of Niger, affirming its rejection of any actions that could undermine the country’s security and stability.

OIC Secretary-General Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed expressed concern over the events, reaffirming the organization’s efforts to strengthen Niger's security and stability.

The OIC reaffirmed its unwavering support for Niger, expressing its readiness to coordinate with regional and international partners to help de-escalate tensions and promote national reconciliation.