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Hajj Pilgrims Take Part in Stoning Ritual

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More than two million Muslim pilgrims in Saudi Arabia have pelted symbols of the devil with stones in the second day of a sacred hajj ritual.

The pilgrims gathered on the massive Jamarat Bridge to throw stones at three pillars symbolizing the devil. The ritual takes place again on Thursday.

Saudi authorities deployed 60,000 security personnel in an effort to avoid accidents and stampedes that have marred the stoning ritual in previous years. More than 240 pilgrims were killed two years ago.

So far this year, the only deaths related to the annual hajj pilgrimage were of 76 people who were killed when their hostel in Mecca collapsed last Thursday before the pilgrimage actually began.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.
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