Extremist Convicted of Preparing Acts of Terrorism

A man who attempted to join the so-called Islamic State (IS) has been found guilty of preparing acts of terrorism.

Mohamed Mohamoud, who was born in Somalia but moved to Bristol in 2020, previously admitted that he flew back to his home country in January 2025 and tried to join the terrorist organisation as a “martyr”, but failed to reach the group because of ongoing UK counter-terrorism operations.

Mohamed Mohamoud

During the trial, the court heard the 22-year-old became interested in religion and joining the Islamic State in Somalia (Isis) after he watched “extreme” videos on YouTube and TikTok.

The prosecution at Winchester Crown Court, said: “He aspired not simply to join Isis, but he aspired to martyrdom.”

Mohamoud told the court he lived between Somalia and the United Arab Emirates until he moved to Francombe Grove in Bristol to live with his mother and brother.

He was arrested after an investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE).

Naomi Parsons, prosecuting, said Mohamoud became radicalised while he was living in the UK.

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His attempts to join included interacting with an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot which IS recruiters used to filter potential new members, the court heard.

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She added that he stayed in contact with the Isis recruiters when he arrived back in the UK and told them: “Any time, you say the word, I will return.”

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