Muslim faithful leave Mecca after haj shadowed by war, scorching heat
Thousands of Muslim pilgrims have left Mecca after completing the haj pilgrimage, which took place amid intense heat and regional conflict. Over 1.7 million participants from 165 countries attended the event, although the number of Iranian pilgrims was significantly lower than expected due to the ongoing war. The Saudi Red Crescent reported providing emergency services to over 83,000 individuals during the haj season.
- ▪More than 1.7 million people from 165 countries participated in the haj pilgrimage.
- ▪The pilgrimage occurred against the backdrop of conflict sparked by US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
- ▪The Saudi Red Crescent provided emergency services to more than 83,000 people since the beginning of the haj season.
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Muslim faithful leave Mecca after haj shadowed by war, scorching heatSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxMuslim pilgrims gather at the Mount of Mercy on the plain of Arafat during the annual haj pilgrimage.PHOTO: REUTERSPublished May 29, 2026, 05:03 PMUpdated May 29, 2026, 05:06 PMListenMECCA, Saudi Arabia – Thousands of Muslims began to leave the holy city of Mecca on May 29 after having completed the haj pilgrimage in scorching heat and despite the shadow of war across the Middle East.More than 1.7 million people from 165 countries took part in one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, against the backdrop of the conflict sparked by US-Israeli strikes on Iran.Since war erupted in February, Tehran has retaliated with waves of drone and missile strikes, hitting…
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