Saudi Arabia denies suicide bomber report at Mecca’s Grand Mosque

Saudi authorities on Friday denied reports of a suicide bomber at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, saying a man had been arrested for harassing people and causing panic.

In a statement posted on “X”, the authorities said security personnel in the holy city had detained the man and dealt with the incident immediately. They said claims circulating about the incident were unfounded.

What authorities said

The statement did not provide further details about the suspect.

What the social media reports claimed

Earlier claims on social media alleged that a suspected suicide bomber wearing an explosive vest had approached the Kaaba before being apprehended by security personnel. The Kaaba is located at the centre of the Grand Mosque and is Islam’s holiest sanctuary.