KABUL, Jan. 14 (Xinhuanet) -- Among the 20 killed Afghan pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, seven of them have been identified, Afghan officials said Saturday.

    "Seven killed pilgrims in the accident in the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia have been identified as the persons from northern Baghlan, western Herat and south-eastern Paktia provinces," an Afghan official said under the condition of anonymity.

    Two Afghan high officials were also among the pilgrims in Mecca,and were said to be killed in the accident. But the Afghan ambassador to Saudi Arabia denied the information and said they were in good condition.

    In this year's pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, more than 2.8 million world pilgrims went there for pilgrimage. According to the Saudi Interior Ministry, 363 pilgrims were killed and over 280 persons were injured in the tragedy, which occurred due to chaos caused by thousands of pilgrims who were rushing to complete a symbolic stoning ritual on Thursday of the Hajj and tripped over luggage.

    The local government has deployed about 60,000 policemen to thearea for the helping and assistance work.

    Millions of Muslims from more than 70 countries go to the holy city of Mecca each year to perform the Hajj, which begins on the eighth day of the 12th month of the Islamic year and finishes on Sunday this year. Enditem