A Somali man living in the United Kingdom attempted to join the Islamic State militant group in Somalia following conversations with an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, a court heard. Mohamed Mohamoud, 22, traveled to Somalia early last year in an effort to join the extremist organization at one of its strongholds but was arrested upon his return to the UK.

At Winchester Crown Court, prosecutors outlined that Mr. Mohamoud’s contact with AI chatbots formed part of his attempt to reach Islamic State (IS) recruiters. The court was told that his communications with both automated bots and real people were instrumental in his plans to connect with the group.

According to the prosecution, Mr. Mohamoud became radicalized after moving to the UK from Somalia in 2020 to join his mother. His mother had reportedly grown concerned about his radicalization as he concealed his intentions to join IS. Prosecutor Naomi Parsons stated that by late 2024, Mr. Mohamoud had developed a desire to become a martyr and formally resolved to join IS in Somalia.

The court was informed that Mr. Mohamoud reached out online, stating, “I am a Somali boy living in England. I want to travel to Bosaso to join the Mujahideen. Do you know the process on how to migrate?” He subsequently booked a flight and arrived in Somalia on January 30 last year, where he stayed with his grandmother.

During his time in Somalia, Mr. Mohamoud maintained regular contact with two individuals linked to Islamic State. One alleged recruiter, identified as Abu Ali, reportedly explained to him the challenges posed by ongoing conflict and air strikes, warning there were logistical obstacles to joining IS at that time. Despite being told that the war had effectively closed the routes to the group, Mr. Mohamoud expressed eagerness to continue, stating, “I’m longing for martyrdom, honestly, there’s no better moment than right now.”

Ultimately, Mr. Mohamoud returned to the UK on March 3 after being offered a role spying on local communities, which he declined because it was not the military involvement he sought. He maintained communication with the recruiters, indicating willingness to return if called upon.

Authorities arrested Mr. Mohamoud in January of this year and seized his phones, which contained extensive evidence of his attempts to join Islamic State, including numerous messages, photographs, and chatbot interactions.

Islamic State in Somalia, also known as IS-Somalia, emerged in 2015 as a splinter faction of an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group. It seeks to overthrow the Somali government and establish an Islamic fundamentalist regime while serving as part of the broader IS network.

Mr. Mohamoud denies charges of preparing to commit acts of terrorism. His trial is ongoing and expected to last three weeks.