Bristol man accused of seeking Isis in Somalia goes on trial

Mohamed Mohamoud, 22, is on trial at Winchester Crown Court, accused of using an AI chatbot to contact Islamic State group members in Somalia in a failed attempt to achieve "martyrdom" between October 2024 and March 2025. Prosecutor Naomi Parsons told the jury that Mohamoud, who moved to Bristol from Somalia in 2020, became radicalised in the UK and flew to Somalia on 30 January 2025, buying supplies like hiking boots and a solar battery pack. He struggled to find a guide and messaged an AI bot for help, later contacting two recruiters. The court heard Mohamoud, who denies the charge, told a recruiter he was "longing for martyrdom" but returned to the UK after being warned about the war. He allegedly continued contact, saying he would return "anytime" if called. The trial continues.