Makkah Grand Mosque authorities have denied reports of a suicide bomber near the Holy Kaaba.

Saudi security authorities said they arrested a man for harassing passersby and causing fear and panic.

“Security authorities in the holy capital arrested a person for harassing passersby and spreading fear and panic among them,” authorities said in a statement on X.

The statement said officers dealt with the incident immediately.

“Security authorities confirm that there is no truth to the claims being circulated regarding the incident,” it added.

Authorities did not provide further details about the man or explain what led to his arrest.

Social Media Claims Circulate

Earlier reports on social media claimed that a suspected suicide bomber had approached the Holy Kaaba.

The reports alleged that the man wore an explosive vest.

France Student Protests School Closures Continue as Clashes Spread

They also claimed that security personnel detained him before he could carry out an attack.

Saudi authorities rejected those claims and said the incident did not involve a suicide bomber.

The Grand Mosque is Islam’s holiest site. Millions of Muslims visit Makkah each year for Hajj and Umrah.

The Holy Kaaba stands at the centre of the Grand Mosque. Muslims face the Kaaba during their daily prayers.

Islamic tradition states that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Prophet Ismail (AS) built the Kaaba.

Previous Attack Near Madina

The latest reports have renewed memories of a deadly attack near Islam’s second-holiest site.

A suicide bombing struck an area near Masjid-i-Nabawi in Madina in 2016.

Four people died in the attack.

The bombing took place as Muslims prepared to celebrate Eidul Fitr.

The attack drew condemnation across the Muslim world.

Masjid-i-Nabawi, also known as the Mosque of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), holds a central place in Islamic history and worship.

Saudi authorities have not reported any suicide bombing at the Grand Mosque in connection with the latest incident.