Saudi Arabia denies bombing attempt at Mecca Grand Mosque
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
Saudi authorities on Friday rejected circulating reports of a suicide bombing attempt at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, one of Islam’s holiest sites.
Officials clarified that a man was detained for harassing passersby and spreading panic, not for any explosive-related activity.
Videos and claims had spread rapidly online alleging that a suspected suicide bomber wearing an explosive vest approached the Kaaba before being stopped.
العربية: ميليشيا الحوثي تستهدف المدينة المنورة
— Marwa Karimeh (@emalabedtripol) October 1, 2026
*قوات الأمن السعودية تعتقل شخصًا داخل حرم المسجد في مكة، بعد العثور بحوزته على مواد متفجرة. pic.twitter.com/mv9PFwtzor
These unverified reports fueled speculation amid broader regional tensions.
In an official statement shared on the social media platform X, Saudi Public Security said: “The security authorities have arrested an individual for harassing passersby and causing panic and fear among them.”
The authorities added that the individual “was dealt with immediately at the time.”
الجهات الأمنية في العاصمة المقدسة تقبض على شخص لمضايقته المارة وإثارة الهلع والفزع بينهم، وتم التعامل معه في حينه بشكل فوري. pic.twitter.com/rCTa1BSvzw
— الأمن العام (@security_gov) October 1, 2026
The statement further stressed: “The security authorities confirm that there is no truth to the claims being circulated regarding the incident.”
Officials noted that necessary legal measures were taken and the case was referred to the Public Prosecution.
The Saudi Ministry of Interior echoed the clarification, stating in Arabic that the arrest involved “a person for harassing passers-by and causing panic and fear among them.”
