The World - News from July 18, 1988

Saudi Arabian security forces were on full alert as about 700,000 pilgrims crowded into the country for the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. Saudi authorities hope to avoid a repeat of riots that killed more than 400 people--mostly Iranians--during last year’s pilgrimage to Islam’s holiest site. More than 1 million pilgrims are expected to visit the nation during the hajj, or pilgrimage, which began July 15. As part of the security measures, the Saudis announced that they will limit the number of pilgrims this year to one per 1,000 of the population of any Muslim country.