Saudi Arabian officials say no incidents have been reported as a symbolic stoning of Satan ritual continues at this year's hajj pilgrimage.

The three-day ritual, symbolizing the stoning of the devil, is held on the Jamarat Bridge in Mena, near the holy city, Mecca. Each white robed pilgrim casts seven small stones at each of three pillars representing the devil. The observance, which began Friday, ends Sunday, the final day of the hajj.

Thousands of police, paramedics and civil defense personnel were on hand to monitor the event but Saudi officials reported no accidents. Last year, 35 people died in a stampede during the stoning ritual. In 1998, 118 pilgrims were killed and 180 others were injured.

Saudi authorities say attendance at this year's hajj was slightly higher than last year when 1.8 million attended. Of these, 1.35 million came from abroad.

Some information for this report provided by AFP and Reuters.

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