Huge crowds circle Kaaba as hajj begins in Saudi heat

Huge crowds of pilgrims throng the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Islam's holiest site, as the biggest hajj in years gets underway in the searing Saudi Arabian heat.

MECCA, Saudi Arabia: Vast crowds of robed pilgrims made solemn circles around the Kaaba, the black cube at Mecca's Grand Mosque, on Sunday as the biggest hajj pilgrimage in years began in the heat of the Saudi summer.

Islam's holiest site is expected to host more than two million worshippers from 160 countries during the annual rites that could break attendance records, with 1.6 million foreigners already arrived by Friday evening.