Two million Muslims pilgrims from around the world took part on Friday in the symbolic stoning of the devil in Saudi Arabia, with tight security measures in place two years after a deadly stampede.
The ritual at the Jamarat Bridge in Mina near Mecca marks the final major rite of the haj, a five-day pilgrimage which all Muslims must perform at least once if physically and financially able.
The stampede in Mina in 2015 claimed the lives of 2,300 people – the worst disaster in the history of the haj.
Saudi Arabia says it has deployed more than 100,000 security personnel to keep pilgrims safe this year.
The huge crowds took part in the stoning rite under strict surveillance, with police tape guiding the flow of pilgrims, cameras installed everywhere and helicopters hovering overhead.
