Egypt: Giza Raid Highlights Possible Resurgence of the Hasm Movement

Key Takeaways

• Recent security forces raid in Giza indicates that the Hasm Movement is attempting to regroup and resume militant operations in Egypt after a period of inactivity.

• Egyptian authorities are expected to increase counterterrorism measures and surveillance, especially in previously known hotspots.

• While the current threat level is assessed as low to moderate, the potential for targeted attacks remains based on Hasm’s previous modus operandi.

Giza Raid Thwarts Terror Plot

On 20 July 2025, two Hasm militants were killed during a raid by security forces in Boulaq el-Dakrour in Giza. According to authorities, the raid followed intelligence that the Hasm movement, said to be linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, was "preparing to revive its activities and commit hostile operations targeting security and economic facilities" inside Egypt. During the raid on the group’s hideout, two suspects, identified as Ahmed Abdel-Rezek and Ihab Abdel-Latif, began shooting at the forces, who returned fire, resulting in their deaths and that of a passer-by. A police officer was also wounded during the exchange of gunfire. 

Authorities said they had identified five leaders of the terror plot besides those killed, all of whom had received life sentences in absentia for a series of attacks in Egypt after the overthrow of President Mohamed Morsi in 2013. The Interior Ministry said one of the suspects killed in the shootout had received advanced military training "in a neighbouring country", before entering Egypt through an illegal border crossing, to allegedly carry out attacks.

Hasm movement’s background and Brotherhood Ties

The Arms of Egypt Movement, commonly known as the Hasm Movement, is an Islamist militant group which was founded in 2016. The movement was proscribed as a terrorist organisation by both the United Kingdom and the United States. The group served as a paramilitary offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood, which was founded in Egypt in the 1920s. The Brotherhood is one of the most influential Islamist organisations in the world, mixing religious teaching with political activism and social welfare programs. Between 2016 and 2019, the Hasm group carried out assassinations, bombings, and attacks on Egyptian security forces. Hasm claimed responsibility for a series of high-profile assassinations and assassination attempts on government figures, including former Public Prosecutor Hisham Barakat, Grand Mufti Ali Gomaa, Deputy Attorney General Zakaria Abdelaziz, and Judge Ahmed Aboul Fotouh, amongst others. In recent years, the group has seen a decrease in operational capabilities mainly due to sustained crackdowns by Egyptian authorities.

Possible Signs of Hasm’s Resurgence?

Egyptian authorities have raised concerns about the potential resurgence of the militant group after years of inactivity. The Giza raid followed the circulation of a video on social media showing Hasm militants purportedly conducting live drills in a desert location.

The one-minute, 29-second propaganda video shows masked gunmen conducting military training, including martial arts, firing mortars, field shooting with various weapons, and using moving vehicles. It includes a message threatening Egypt, stating that it "is not isolated from the campaign." According to Egyptian authorities, the video was filmed in “one of the neighbouring countries.” The counterterrorism operation also follows the arrest of Mohamed Abdel Hafeez Abdullah Abdel Hafee, a high-ranking Hasm member who was arrested while attempting to enter Turkey at the Istanbul Airport. Abdullah allegedly played a key role in the group’s leadership structure. On 21 July 2025, Turkish authorities detained and deported him after Egypt requested his extradition.

Egypt-Türkiye Relations Strain Over Hasm Links

These developments follow years of strained relations between Egypt and Türkiye, as the former has accused the latter of supporting and harbouring members of the Muslim Brotherhood. Egyptian authorities also accused leaders of the Hasm Movement, who are based in Türkiye, of orchestrating terror plots aimed at destabilising Egypt. Türkiye has also been accused of refusing to hand over several high-ranking Brotherhood members despite their involvement in violent operations targeting Egyptian officials. Ankara’s decision to extradite the alleged high-ranking Hasm member is likely an attempt to mend ties. Egypt will likely continue to push for the extradition of more Brotherhood and Hasm leaders in Türkiye. For example, Yahya Moussa and Alaa El Samahi, two individuals convicted for masterminding plots such as a 2019 car bombing in Alexandria and other assassination attempts, are still believed to be living in Türkiye.

Implications and Security Outlook 

The arrests suggest that Hasm retains operational capability and the group’s intentions to resurface, contrary to previous reports that the movement has been suppressed. Hasm’s propaganda video also strongly suggests efforts to ramp up recruitment by appealing to disillusioned youth. Egyptian authorities are likely to intensify counterterrorism operations in areas such as Cairo, Faiyum, Damietta, and Beheira, areas that have been violence hotspots in the past. Authorities may also crack down and increase surveillance on dissidents or individuals believed to be Hasm or Brotherhood sympathisers.

The renewed threat raises concerns for businesses already operating in a complex environment.  Although the risk of renewed Hasm attacks is low to moderate at the moment, the group could likely carry out attacks, including targeted shootings and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) near security checkpoints, government figures, state institutions and urban transit routes based on previous tactics. Businesses risk facing operational disruptions and threats to business continuity. Employees also risk being caught in the middle of counterterrorism operations.

For further information on how this development could impact your business, please contact Global Situational Awareness at gsoc@global-sa.co.uk.