Saudi Arabia denies viral reports of bombing attempt at Mecca's Grand Mosque
Saudi Public Security denied viral social media claims of a suicide bombing attempt at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, saying a man was arrested for harassing passersby and spreading panic.
Saudi Arabia has denied viral social media claims that a suicide bomber wearing an explosive vest tried to approach the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, according to an official statement posted on X on 1 October.
The General Directorate of Public Security said a man was arrested for harassing passersby and spreading fear and panic among them, was dealt with immediately, and had his case referred to the Public Prosecution. “The security authorities confirm that there is no truth to the claims being circulated regarding the incident,” the statement said. No details about the suspect’s identity were released.
The unverified claims — including videos circulating online alleging a suspected suicide bomber with an explosive vest had approached the Kaaba before being stopped by security — were directly rejected by the authorities. Officials urged the public to obtain information from official sources.
The denial was carried by multiple outlets on Friday, including NDTV Profit citing Anadolu Agency, Times Now and Roya News. The Grand Mosque is Islam’s holiest site, and the Kaaba at its centre is the focal point towards which Muslims around the world pray.
The denial came a day after the Saudi-led coalition blamed Yemen’s Houthi fighters for a drone strike on a power station in Medina, per Reuters, amid weeks of cross-border attacks on the kingdom.
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