Saudi authorities reject viral bombing claims at Mecca’s Grand Mosque

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

“Security authorities in the holy capital arrested a person for harassing passersby and spreading fear and panic among them, and he was dealt with immediately,” authorities said in a statement on the US social media platform X.

“The security authorities confirm that there is no truth to the claims being circulated regarding the incident,” the statement said.

The statement provided no further details about the suspect.

Earlier claims circulating on social media alleged that a suspected suicide bomber wearing an explosive vest had approached the Kaaba, a cube-shaped stone building located at the center of the Grand Mosque that serves as Islam's holiest sanctuary, before being apprehended by security personnel.