First Syrian jet in over a decade transports Muslim worshippers to Saudi Arabia for Hajj pilgrimage
DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — For the first time in over a decade, 270 Syrians traveled on a direct flight early Tuesday from Damascus to Saudi Arabia for the annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage, the Syrian Transportation Ministry said.
The development is part of an ongoing thaw in relations between Damascus and Riyadh, which days ago appointed Saudi Arabia’s first ambassador to war-torn Syria since severing ties in 2012.
Syria was readmitted to the 22-member Arab League in 2023, after it had been suspended from the group for more than a decade over President Bashar Assad’s brutal crackdown on anti-government protesters in 2011. Most countries in the Arab world have since restored diplomatic ties with Damascus.
A second plane of pilgrims is set to depart from Damascus to Jeddah late Tuesday, the ministry said.
1.8 million Muslims from around the world took part in last year’s Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, making it one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. This year, it’s scheduled to begin on the evening of June 14.
Related articles
Leverkusen trio of Schick, Hložek, Kovář in Czech Republic squad for Euro 2024
PRAGUE (AP) — A trio of Bayer Leverkusen players who won the Bundesliga and the German Cup unbeaten2024-05-29Former shoemaker admits he had an illegal gambling operation in his Brooklyn shop
NEW YORK (AP) — A former shoemaker pleaded guilty Tuesday to allegations that he ran an illegal gamb2024-05-29Royals at White Sox game has been postponed by rain
CHICAGO (AP) — The Kansas City Royals’ game at the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night has been postp2024-05-29Another record for New Jersey internet gambling revenue as in
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey’s high-flying internet gambling market continues to smash reco2024-05-29New coach Sheldon Keefe embraces Stanley Cup expectations with the Devils
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Driving past the Prudential Center for a news conference at which he would be in2024-05-29Queen Mary and King Frederik of Denmark join Queen Margrethe to celebrate her 84th birthday
Queen Mary and King Frederik joined Queen Margrethe in Fredensborg today ahead of her birthday celeb2024-05-29
atest comment