Saudi forces hold security drill in Mecca

MECCA, SAUDI ARABIA - JULY 3: Security forces in Saudi Arabia's holy city of Mecca held a security drill on Sunday night, July 3, before the upcoming Eid-al-Adha. Armored vehicles and heavy weapons were used in the exercise, which started with a parade. During the drill, the message of "you are safe" was given to the Muslim pilgrims. Eid al-Adha marks the culmination of the hajj (pilgrimage). It is a Muslim holiday that commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim, or Abraham, to sacrifice his son at God's command before the last-minute divine substitute of a ram. The pilgrimage to Islam's holiest site, the Kaaba in the city of Mecca, is one of the five pillars of Islam. A Muslim is required to perform the Hajj at least once if they have the means. Saudi Arabia has limited the Hajj to domestic pilgrims for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 60,000 pilgrims performed the Hajj last year compared to around 2.5 million in the pre-pandemic year of 2019. (Footage by Stringer/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)