"A group of Americans visiting Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj were
threatened and attacked earlier this week on Oct. 16 by a radicalized group of
extremists. On one of the nights where Hajj pilgrims are required to stay
overnight in the city of Mina, a group of young men began asking different sets
of pilgrims if they were from the United States. When they encountered a group
that identified themselves as not only Americans, but also as Shiite Muslims,
they were threatened and attacked by the group of men, who were apparently
armed with knives and other blades.
The Americans fled the tent area, which the Saudi government had
specifically designated for American and European pilgrims. During the escape,
many of the group, almost entirely U.S. citizens and mostly hailing from
Dearborn, Michigan suffered bruises (in one case, due to an attempted
strangulation), concussions, broken bones, and black eyes.
Victims of the attack reported that nearby police refused to take
action, and in some cases were openly laughing at the attack. Members of the
group also turned to the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia for assistance, but were
told help could only be provided if members of the group had died in the
attacks." (thanks Basim)
