RIYADH: Saudi authorities have dismissed as false social media reports claiming that security forces arrested a suicide bomber at Masjid al-Haram in Makkah.
Officials overseeing the affairs of the Two Holy Mosques said no suicide bomber was arrested at the Grand Mosque, rejecting the claims circulating online.
According to the authorities, security personnel did apprehend a man after he allegedly caused fear and disturbance among worshippers and behaved inappropriately towards visitors.
The suspect was dealt with in accordance with legal procedures and was subsequently referred to the Public Prosecution for further action, officials said.
Authorities urged the public not to believe or circulate unverified reports regarding security incidents at the Grand Mosque.
The rumours had claimed that a man wearing an explosive vest had approached the Holy Kaaba before being intercepted and arrested by security personnel.
The Kaaba, located inside Masjid al-Haram, is Islam’s holiest site and is visited by millions of Muslims each year for Hajj, Umrah and other acts of worship. Islamic tradition holds that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Prophet Ismail (AS) built the Kaaba.
