Yemens Awqaf Minister Dr. Ahmad Attiyah said that more than 25,000 Yemeni pilgrims performed the Hajj rituals this year. Their pilgrimage was a success with the direct supervision and follow-up from the minister and the unprecedented facilitations and cooperation by Saudi Hajj authorities. This year’s pilgrimage passed without incident, Attiyah stated to Asharq Al-Awsat, confirming that five natural deaths were reported in the holy cities of Makkah and Medina. The minister lauded the healthcare level received by Yemeni pilgrims, noting that three of them underwent open-heart surgeries. Moreover, he added that this was one of the most successful Hajj seasons in regards to supervision, organization, services and housing. This was the first time that such a large number of Yemeni pilgrims were dispatched to the Kingdom and through a single portal. Most of the pilgrims completed their rituals and departed to Yemen as planned, he revealed. Attiyah continued that during the coming days all the pilgrims would leave the Kingdom without any delay. Yemens Awqaf Ministry was keen to open registration for the Hajj season on time, while ensuring that pilgrims are brought from all Yemeni provinces, including those ruled by the Iran-backed Houthi militias. The militias tried to hinder the pilgrims by shutting down a number of Hajj and Umrah agencies. They also imposed additional fees on pilgrims.