Saudi Arabia denies reports of suicide bomber at Grand Mosque in Mecca

MECCA, Oct 2 : Saudi authorities on Friday denied reports circulating on social media that a suicide bomber wearing an explosive vest had attempted to approach the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

Saudi security authorities said a person had been arrested for harassing passersby and causing fear and panic, and that he was dealt with immediately. “The security authorities confirm that there is no truth to the claims being circulated regarding the incident,” authorities said in a statement posted on X.

The clarification came after social media posts alleged that a suspected suicide bomber wearing an explosive vest had approached the Kaaba before being stopped by security personnel. Saudi authorities did not provide further details about the identity of the person arrested or disclose any information indicating that explosives had been found.

Saudi authorities also said the necessary legal measures had been taken and the case referred to the Public Prosecution, according to reports citing the official clarification.

The reports of a bombing attempt therefore remain unsubstantiated and have been explicitly rejected by Saudi authorities.