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“Enough Bloodshed” Inside the Confessions of a Terrorist: Bombs and Assassination Plans Exposed
Egypt’s Ministry of Interior announced the arrest of Ali Mahmoud Mohamed El-Wanis, a senior member of the HASM terrorist group.
The 34-year-old, who had been sentenced to life in prison over multiple terrorism-related cases, was captured in an African country and returned to Egypt, where he provided detailed confessions about his activities within the group.
A Plot Targeting the Presidency
Among the most serious revelations was a plan to assassinate President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. According to El-Wanis, HASM leaders were preparing a large-scale operation using shoulder-launched missiles.
The plan involved coordination with extremist networks abroad, including the Al-Murabitoun group led by Hisham Ashmawy. It also relied on recruiting operatives inside Egypt, and preparing explosive-laden vehicles to target vital sites.
A History of Violent Operations
El-Wanis admitted to direct involvement in a series of attacks and operations, including:
- Bombing a police training center in Tanta
- Attacking a police checkpoint in Menoufia
- Assassinating Colonel Adel Ragai
- Preparing and deploying car bombs targeting key locations
These operations, he said, were part of a broader strategy to destabilize the state and target security institutions.
Training, Coordination, and Expansion
In his confessions, El-Wanis detailed how he received advanced training abroad, including explosives handling, anti-aircraft and anti-armor weapons, and sniping techniques.
He also confirmed coordination with extremist groups outside Egypt to train armed operatives and expand operational capabilities.
Attempts were made to target high-ranking officials in neighboring countries, though these operations ultimately failed.
Beyond direct attacks, El-Wanis revealed efforts to recruit and influence youth. He admitted to helping establish a media platform called “Midan,” which was used to spread misinformation, incite hostility against state institutions, and attract new members to the group.
“Not About Religion”
In a striking admission, El-Wanis stated that the group’s actions were not driven by religious motives.
“We were motivated by power and personal gain, not religion,” he said, describing the crimes as a struggle for influence rather than ideology.
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