Egypt’s Interior Ministry has issued a comprehensive statement detailing efforts to dismantle the Hasmmilitant group, which authorities say is affiliated with the banned Muslim Brotherhood.
The group allegedly planned attacks targeting key security and economic facilities, the ministry stated on Sunday.
On July 7, 2025, security forces raided a hideout in Giza, resulting in the deaths of two militants and a civilian during a shootout. A police officer was injured, the ministry added.
Investigations identified a key fugitive, Ali Mahmoud Mohamed Abdel-Wanis, who has been sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment in multiple terrorism cases. These include an attempted attack on the presidential aircraft and the assassination of Brigadier General Adel Ragei.
According to the ministry, Abdel-Wanis confessed to participating in several attacks, including targeting a police checkpoint in Monufia Governorate, bombing a police training center in Tanta, and involvement in the killing of Brigadier General Ragei. He admitted receiving military training in Gaza, covering explosives handling, anti-armor weapons, air defense systems, and sniping.
Abdel-Wanis also acknowledged coordinating with members of the Al-Mourabitoun group, founded by Hisham Ashmawy, to establish training camps in desert areas. Plans reportedly included using shoulder-fired missiles in a failed attempt to target the presidential plane.
Authorities further linked Hasm leaders abroad to a 2019 car bombing near Cairo’s National Cancer Institute. In 2025, operatives sent back to Egypt to carry out attacks were arrested before executing their plans.
In his confession, Abdel-Wanis described recruitment networks, media platforms spreading misinformation, and efforts to mobilize youth. He expressed remorse, stating the conflict was a struggle for power rather than religion, and urged others to abandon violence.
The Supreme State Security Prosecution is leading the investigations and reaffirmed its commitment to countering threats to national security, the ministry said.
