ABU DHABI — Extensive Saudi security measures have again failed to prevent massive
casualties at the annual Islamic pilgrimage.
More than 425 people have been killed in two accidents during the Haj in
Mecca. On Thursday, at least 354 people were trampled to death during the
stone-throwing ceremony in the Mina desert.
The stampede on the last day of the Haj took place despite Saudi
security measures designed to manage the 2.5 million pilgrims to Mecca, Middle East Newsline reported. This
included the Interior Ministry deployment of 60,000 police and soldiers,
supported by helicopters and a command and control system.
Officials said the most dangerous stage of the Haj has been the stoning
ritual. The ritual of stoning the devil requires Muslims to hurl seven
stones and strike three pillars, a difficult feat amid the crush of
pilgrims.
Most of the victims, crushed
within minutes, were said to have come from South Asia. Another 289 pilgrims
were injured.
In 1990, 1,426 people were killed during the stone-throwing
ceremony.
"It is a Herculean task for the security forces to communicate
directions to the pilgrims, especially the aged ones," the Jedda-based Arab
News said on Friday. "Even simple instructions such as 'Stop, do not move
forward,' may be impossible to convey, although every effort is made to
manage the crowds safely."
On Jan. 5, at least 75 people were killed when a Mecca hotel used by
pilgrims collapsed. The reason for the collapse was not given.
Over the last year, the Saudi Interior Ministry and Islamic Affairs
Ministry imposed a range of measures meant to facilitate the passage of
pilgrims during the stone-throwing ritual. Authorities widened four ramps
and established additional emergency exits.
At the same time, Saudi authorities replaced the pillars with a long
wall, meant to ensure that pilgrims quickly complete the stone-throwing
ritual. But this did not prevent what officials said were widespread
violations of security regulations by the pilgrims, including bringing their
luggage to the crowded site.
"Some of the pilgrims were undisciplined and eager to finish the ritual
as soon as possible," Interior Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Mansour Al Turki
said.
Officials said Saudi troops were trained to respond quickly to a
stampede or any other emergency during the Haj. They said the troops had
also been on alert for an Al Qaida-aligned attack during the four-day Id Al
Adha festival. No attacks were reported.
Over the next year, authorities plan to continue to expand the Mina
stoning site to facilitate the flow of pilgrims to 500,000 per hour.
Officials said this would establish a platform with four levels, 12
entrances and 12 exits.
