Makkah, Saudi Arabia: Hajj 2026 begins with more than 1.5 million Muslims entering Mina on Monday as regional war concerns shadow the annual pilgrimage.
Pilgrims reached the tent city by bus and on foot after performing tawaf around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, AFP reported.
The pilgrimage began as US President Donald Trump sent mixed signals over a possible ceasefire extension with Iran and efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Saudi Arabia said more pilgrims had arrived from abroad than in 2025, despite the uncertainty. AP reported that more than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims had entered the kingdom.
Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry posted a video of air defence batteries near Makkah. It said the forces would protect holy sites and respond to aerial threats.
Read: Hajj 2026 Helpline Numbers Issued For Pilgrims
The main Hajj rite at Mount Arafat is due on Tuesday. Forecasters expect temperatures above 40°C for much of the week.
