Global Islamism Monitor No. 144

GERMANY INDICTS SEVEN OVER ALLEGED HAMAS ATTACK PLOT
In September, German prosecutors indicted seven alleged Hamas members for accumulating weapons as part of preparations for terrorist attacks in Germany or Austria. Prosecutors allege that Hamas' military wing, the Qassam Brigades, has established weapons depots across Europe and was planning an assassination campaign targeting Israeli representatives, Jewish individuals, or people with pro-Israel views around the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023 massacre in Israel.

The plot is just the most visible part of a larger problem. German intelligence estimates that Hamas had as many as 650 operatives in Germany in 2025, up from an estimated 450 in 2023. The indictment highlights growing European security concerns that Hamas networks, which German intelligence has historically assessed as focusing primarily on fundraising, recruitment, and propaganda in Europe, may be shifting toward preparations for attacks on European soil. (Fox News, September 20, 2026)

TERRORIST GROUPS IN NIGERIA USE AI TO ENHANCE OPERATIONS
Terrorist groups in Nigeria, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have increasingly been adopting AI tools such as ChatGPT and Claude for instructions and guidance. The high-tech transition is learned; the Islamic State's global core is reportedly responsible for sending instructors to instruct ISWAP on how to use AI. These specialists are also said to have provided laptops with encryption software and set up subscription accounts. One technique reportedly taught was "jailbreaking," which involves bypassing the ethical and safety guidelines that prevent AI from providing information on things such as designing explosive devices.

The trend, moreover, is likely not limited to Nigeria. Boko Haram is known to have received similar training through separate networks, and other Islamic State affiliates have likely received instruction as well. (Africa Defense Forum, October 13, 2026)

TURKEY PLANS SAUDI MILITARY DEPLOYMENT...
The government of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan plans to submit a formal request for to the country's parliament authorizing the deployment of military personnel to Saudi Arabia as part of the "Mecca Pact," the recently-concluded joint defense partnership with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The request will be submitted once parliament formally ratifies the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, which the three countries signed in August.

As envisioned, Turkish troops would not engage in offensive operations, and the deployment would primarily consist of technical personnel and experts to help with air defenses, electronic warfare technologies, and other defensive support. Turkish officials previously indicated that Ankara's contribution would be limited to military equipment, intelligence sharing, and weapons systems. Turkey has also agreed to join a Saudi-led coalition to protect freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. (Reuters, October 21, 2026)

...AS SYRIA SIDLES UP
Turkey isn't the only country mulling participation in military operations in support of the Kingdom. According to the New York Times, the government of Syrian president Ahmed al-Sharaa is also contemplating sending troops to Saudi Arabia to reinforce the Kingdom's military response to Yemen's Iranian-supported Houthi rebels. What role Syrian forces might actually play is still unclear, but the move is significant, positioning the new Syrian government as a potential entrant into the Pact. (New York Times, November 10, 2026)