Saudi authorities on Friday rejected reports that a suicide bomber had been intercepted at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, saying the incident involved a man who was arrested for allegedly harassing worshippers and causing panic.
According to Saudi security authorities, the individual was taken into custody after his behaviour alarmed people at the holy site. Officials said the situation was brought under control immediately.
Authorities also dismissed claims circulating on social media that a man wearing an explosive vest had approached the Holy Kaaba.
The security statement did not provide further information about the identity of the arrested man or explain what prompted the rumours.
The Grand Mosque in Makkah is Islam’s holiest site and attracts millions of Muslims throughout the year for Hajj, Umrah and prayers.
The incident comes amid heightened sensitivity around security at Saudi Arabia’s holy sites. In 2016, a suicide bombing near Masjid an-Nabawi in Madina killed four security personnel and drew widespread condemnation across the Muslim world.
Saudi authorities urged people to rely on official information rather than unverified reports circulating online.
