Kurdish pilgrim from Akre dies in Mecca after two months in critical condition

BAGHDAD — A Kurdish pilgrim from Akre, Duhok, died in a hospital in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, after spending two months in critical condition following a traffic accident, the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Hajj and Umrah Directorate announced on Saturday.

Karwan Stuni, spokesperson for KRG’S Hajj and Umrah Directorate, told 964media that the deceased was identified as Ibrahim Rasho Mohammed, a resident of Zhirka village in Akre district. He had been receiving treatment in Saudi Arabia since the incident.

The pilgrim, who was over 60 years old, will be buried in Mecca with the consent of his family, Stuni said.

Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that can be performed at any time, distinct from the mandatory Hajj, which has specific dates and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Last week, another Kurdish pilgrim passed away in Medina, Saudi Arabia, after his health deteriorated.

On Jan. 25, a Kurdish pilgrim from Shekhan district, identified as Hajji Zainal, passed away in Mecca while performing Umrah. The man, estimated to be between 60 and 70 years old, reportedly suffered health complications before his death.

A few days later, a bus crash near the Saudi-Iraqi border resulted in the deaths of two Kurdish Umrah pilgrims from Chamchamal, Sulaymaniyah, and left 14 others injured.