Syrian arrested in Berlin: Was he planning a suicide attack?

Syrian arrested in Berlin: Was he planning a suicide attack?

On November 2, 2025, a Syrian named Abdalla R. was arrested in the Berlin district of Neukölln, suspected of planning a suicide attack. During the arrest by special forces (SEK) and state security officers, materials for making explosive devices were seized. The investigation revealed that Abdalla R. had ordered the components for the explosive devices online. The authorities are now preparing to present the suspect to the magistrate, which is scheduled for Sunday afternoon. Abdalla R. is currently in a prison collection center.

Abdalla R. is said to have had several residential addresses in Berlin, including Buschkrugallee, Sonnenallee and Lindenstraße as well as a residential building in Kreuzberg. The allegations against him include the preparation of a serious and state-endangering crime. He is also said to have a connection to the terrorist organization “Islamic State” (IS). He is said to have actively supported IS propaganda by sharing jihadist songs and anthems on social media. Details about a possible target of the attack remain unclear, but it is suspected that Berlin could be a possible location.

Background to Islamist terrorism in Germany

The situation of Islamist terrorism in Germany remains tense and complex. The Office for the Protection of the Constitution estimates that there will be 28,280 people with an Islamist background in Germany in 2024. Salafism is the largest Islamist movement, and the violence-oriented potential is estimated at around 9,540 people. These figures illustrate the scale of the challenge facing German security forces.

Since 2011, over 1,150 people from Germany have traveled to Syria and Iraq, although the number of departures has decreased noticeably since 2015. About 40% of these travelers have now returned, with many having received military training and combat experience, posing a particular security risk. Measures to de-radicalize and re-integrate these returnees are crucial aspects of the fight against terrorism.

Attacks and current threats

The threat from Islamist terrorism remains high in Germany. Jihadist organizations such as IS continue to pursue attack targets. There have been several recent attacks, including the devastating truck attack on the Christmas market in Berlin in December 2016, in which 13 people were killed. The IS Khorasan Province (ISPK) also poses a threat by threatening terrorist attacks in Germany.

Current geopolitical developments, particularly Hamas' attacks on Israel, also influence the threat situation in Germany. The incident with Abdalla R. is another alarming sign of the ongoing danger posed by Islamist radicalization within the country. Security authorities are under pressure to take appropriate measures to prevent potential terrorist attacks.