Minister killed by Afghan pilgrims

Afghanistan’s civil aviation and tourism minister was attacked and killed at the Kabul airport by Muslim pilgrims angry over flight delays to the Islamic holy city of Mecca, the interim government confirmed today.

An interior ministry spokesman, Faraidoon, who uses only one name, confirmed the death of the minister, Abdul Rahman.

The fatal confrontation was sparked when Rahman went to the Kabul airport for a flight to New Delhi. Hundreds of pilgrims, who had been stranded at the airport awaiting Saudi visas and transport to Mecca, blocked Rahman’s plane, government officials had said earlier.

When the minister left the aircraft to try to calm the crowd, pilgrims set upon him and he was fatally injured. Several pilgrims were also hurt during a clash with Rahman’s bodyguards.

Faraidoon did not know whether Rahman had died at the scene or later at a hospital.

The hajj to Mecca - home of Islam’s holiest shrine - is one of the pillars of Islam. Muslims who are able-bodied and can afford the journey are obliged to do it at least once in their lifetime.

Saudi authorities are expecting up to 2.5 million people to perform the hajj this year, beginning on February 20.