Saudi Arabia denies reports of suicide bomber at Grand Mosque in Makkah
Saudi Arabia denies reports of suicide bomber at Grand Mosque in Makkah
Saudi Arabia denies suicide bomber reports that spread rapidly on social media on Friday, saying a man was arrested at the Grand Mosque in Makkah for harassing passersby and causing panic. Authorities insisted there was no truth to claims that a bombing attempt had been foiled at Islam’s holiest site.
“Security authorities in the holy capital arrested a person for harassing passersby and spreading fear and panic among them, and he was dealt with immediately,” the authorities said in a statement posted on X.
“The security authorities confirm that there is no truth to the claims being circulated regarding the incident,” the statement said. It provided no further details about the suspect.
Saudi Arabia denies suicide bomber reports: what went viral
Earlier claims circulating on social media alleged that a suspected suicide bomber wearing an explosive vest had approached the Holy Kaaba before being apprehended by security personnel. Videos shared online showed security staff restraining a man near the King Abdulaziz Gate area, but the footage did not establish whether the man carried explosives.
Terror Monitor’s analysis of the circulating footage found the videos alone did not establish the identity of the man or what prompted his arrest. The claims that a bombing attempt had been foiled were never confirmed by Saudi authorities.
Saudi officials urged the public to rely on official sources and warned against unverified accounts circulating online.
Heightened sensitivity after Madina attack
The incident comes at a sensitive moment. On September 29, the Saudi-led coalition accused the Houthi militia of striking the Taibah power distribution station in Madina, which supplies electricity to the Prophet’s Mosque. Pakistan condemned that attack on Friday as a “grave provocation”.
Security around the Two Holy Mosques has been a focus of concern as fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis has intensified in recent weeks.
FAQs
Was there a suicide bombing attempt at the Grand Mosque?
Saudi authorities say no. They denied reports of a suicide bomber and said a man was arrested for harassing passersby and causing panic.
What did the viral videos show?
The videos showed security personnel restraining a man near the Grand Mosque. They did not prove he was carrying explosives or attempting an attack.
Who issued the denial?
Saudi security authorities, in a statement posted on X on Friday, October 2, 2026.
