Saudi authorities dismiss reports of suicide bomber at Makkah’s Grand Mosque

Web Desk

RIYADH: Saudi authorities on Friday rejected reports circulating on social media about a suspected suicide bomber at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, saying security personnel had detained a man for allegedly harassing people and creating fear among worshippers.

In a statement posted on X, the Saudi security authorities said the individual was arrested for “harassing passersby and spreading fear and panic” and that immediate action was taken against him.

The authorities also dismissed claims linking the incident to a suicide bomber, stressing that there was “no truth” to the reports being circulated. No additional information about the detained man was provided.

Earlier, unverified posts on social media claimed that a man wearing what was described as an explosive vest had moved towards the Holy Kaaba before being stopped by security personnel.

The Holy Kaaba, located inside Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, is Islam’s most sacred site and is the focal point of Hajj, Umrah and daily prayers. Islamic tradition holds that it was built by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Prophet Ismail (AS).

It is pertinent to mention that a deadly suicide bombing took place near Masjid-i-Nabawi in Madina about a decade ago. The 2016 attack, which occurred as Muslims were preparing for Eidul Fitr, killed four people and drew widespread condemnation across the Muslim world.