Saudi Arabia rejects Mecca bombing claim after arrest

Saudi Public Security said a man was arrested in Mecca for harassing passersby and causing panic, then referred to the Public Prosecution, while rejecting claims circulating online that the incident involved a suicide-bombing attempt at the Grand Mosque. The agency said security authorities in the holy city dealt with the man immediately. Its statement did not provide details about his identity or describe the circumstances beyond the allegation of harassment and causing fear. The supplied accounts do not independently establish what occurred during the current incident. The denial followed social media posts sharing video said to show security personnel detaining a suspected bomber near the Kaaba. The posts alleged that a man wearing an explosive vest had approached the site or attempted to carry out an attack. Saudi Public Security said the claims about the incident were false and urged people to rely on official information. Two reports identified the circulating footage as dating to February 2017, rather than showing the current arrest. They said it depicted a man pouring petrol on his clothes near the Kaaba.