Kurdistan Hajj official denies reports of pilgrim death in Saudi Arabia

ERBIL — The Kurdistan Region’s Hajj and Umrah Directorate on Sunday denied rumors circulating on social media claiming that a Kurdish pilgrim had died in a traffic accident in Saudi Arabia, saying that all pilgrims are safe and accounted for.

“There have been no deaths among Kurdish pilgrims. Everyone is safe,” Karwan Stuni, spokesperson for the directorate, told 964media. “All our pilgrims are currently in Mecca and Medina, and they are in good health.”

The statement came in response to posts shared online alleging a fatal incident involving a Kurdish pilgrim during this year’s Hajj season.

According to the directorate, a total of 5,136 pilgrims from the Kurdistan Region are performing the Hajj this year. Of those, 1,646 traveled by land on May 16 and 17, while 3,490 others are traveling by air. All pilgrims are expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia by May 28.

Under the official Hajj calendar, pilgrims will gather on Mount Arafat on the evening of June 5. Eid al-Adha is set to begin on June 6.