Muslim pilgrims mass in Mecca for hajj

MERS and possible attacks by the extremist Islamic State group no deterrent to the faithful

Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from around the world began moving on Tuesday from the holy city of Mecca to nearby Mina for the start of the hajj.

Almost two million people are expected to take part in this year's pilgrimage, undeterred by a crane collapse in Mecca earlier this month that killed 109 people and injured nearly 400 at Islam's holiest site.