Saudi authorities on Friday rejected reports of a suicide bomber at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, saying security personnel arrested a man for harassing passersby and causing panic.
In a statement posted on X, Saudi security authorities said the individual was detained in the holy city after his actions frightened people in the area. Officials said the situation was handled immediately.
The authorities also dismissed reports circulating on social media about the incident, saying there was no truth to the claims. They did not provide further information about the identity of the arrested man or the circumstances surrounding his detention.
Earlier social media reports had alleged that a suspected suicide bomber wearing an explosive vest approached the Holy Kaaba before security personnel apprehended him.
The reports quickly attracted attention because of the significance of the Grand Mosque, which houses the Holy Kaaba, Islam’s most sacred site. Muslims from around the world visit Makkah for Hajj, Umrah and other religious activities.
The Kaaba is traditionally associated with Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Prophet Ismail (AS). The latest reports also recalled a deadly suicide bombing near Masjid-i-Nabawi in Madina about a decade ago. The 2016 attack killed four people and occurred as Muslims prepared to celebrate Eidul Fitr.
Saudi authorities, however, stressed that the latest claims concerning the Grand Mosque incident were false and confirmed only the arrest of an individual accused of disturbing passersby and creating fear.
For the latest updates, visit and follow The Truth International website (www.thetruthinternational.com), subscribe to the YouTube channel, and follow the Instagram and Facebook pages.
