Saudi Clerics warn millions of Muslims against 'evil' of ISIS

"These evil groups prey on our youth through mediums like the Internet and parents must start to know what their children are doing and who they talk to," Saudi cleric warns.

MINA, Saudi Arabia - Taking aim at Islamic State, Saudi Arabia has mounted a battle for hearts and minds at this year's haj, warning pilgrims that the hardline group is "evil" and seeking to recruit their children to fight in Iraq and Syria.

As millions of pilgrims visited the holiest sites in Islam on the second day of the annual pilgrimage on Saturday, global leaders condemned the fourth beheading of a Westerner by Islamic State insurgents.

Saudi Arabia declared Islamic State a terrorist organization in March and sharply stepped up denunciations of the group after its fighters made rapid territorial gains in Iraq in June.

US-led air strikes on the group has allowed some of the lost territory to be recaptured, but the well-armed militants continue to make gains in Iraq and Syria. Last week, Saudi air force planes pounded militant targets in Syria.  (CONTINUED)

FULL ARTICLE HERE: IN PICTURES: Saudi Clerics warn millions of Muslims making haj pilgrimage against 'evil' of ISIS