‘Assassination attempt’ on MBS just fake news

Muhammad Amin

Social media posts claiming an assassination attempt on Saudi leader Mohammad bin Salman appear to be untrue.

A video of firefighters battling roaring flames as they engulfed two cars was circulated Tuesday on social media, with claims they showed the aftermath of an attempt on the crown prince’s life, adding “Many of his security guards were killed.”

The claims were widely circulated on X and Tiktok, alleging a heavily armed convoy transporting Salman and other officials was bombed in Riyadh.

They said the attack prompted a massive deployment of security forces in the city.

However, no mainstream media outlet confirmed any such attack. The BBC reported “there’s zero evidence for the claim”.

Siasat.com reported the video footage was from a fire incident in Riyadh extinguished by civil defence on March 16 this year.