Saudi Arabia has denied reports that a suicide bomber attempted to detonate an explosive device inside the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

The reports circulated online after videos appeared showing Saudi security personnel detaining a man at the mosque. Some social media posts claimed the man was carrying an explosive vest and had attempted to attack the Kaaba.

However, Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Public Security said the claims were false. Authorities stated that a man had been arrested for harassing passersby and causing fear and panic among worshippers.

Security personnel intervened immediately, and legal procedures were initiated before the case was referred to the public prosecution, according to the authorities.

Reports also noted that some of the viral footage circulating online may have been old footage being presented as a recent incident. One widely circulated video has been linked to a 2017 incident near the Grand Mosque.

Saudi authorities urged the public to rely on official sources and rejected the claims of a recent suicide bombing attempt at the holy site.

The clarification comes amid heightened security concerns in the region, making accurate verification of reports from the holy sites particularly important.