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ISIS Link Confirmed in Bielefeld Knife Attack
The German Federal Prosecutor's Office has confirmed that the suspect arrested for last month's knife attack at a Bielefeld cafe was a member of the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist organization. The 35-year-old Syrian national faces charges including attempted murder and membership in a foreign terrorist organization.
Details of the Attack
On May 18, 2025, a violent stabbing occurred at the Cutie bar in Bielefeld, northwest Germany. The assailant used a modified walking stick with a concealed blade to attack patrons, injuring five people - four seriously. The cafe was filled with supporters of local football club Arminia Bielefeld at the time of the attack.
Suspect's Terrorist Background
According to prosecutors, the suspect joined ISIS in 2014 and served the terrorist organization until spring 2016. During this period, he worked as a guard and border patrol officer in Raqqa, Syria - the former de facto capital of the ISIS caliphate. German media reports indicate the man applied for asylum in Germany in 2023.
Jihadist Motivation
The prosecutor's office stated the attack was driven by jihadist ideology. The assailant allegedly intended to kill as many random German citizens as possible "in the name of ISIS" and as part of a "global holy war." This marks one of the most significant terrorist incidents in Germany in recent years.
Capture and Legal Proceedings
Following the attack, the suspect fled but was arrested two days later near Düsseldorf by special police units. He sustained injuries during the incident when cafe patrons fought back against his assault. The Syrian national remains in pretrial detention facing multiple terrorism-related charges.
Context: ISIS Threat in Europe
The Islamic State (ISIS) remains an active global terrorist threat despite losing its territorial caliphate. Germany has experienced several ISIS-linked attacks, including the 2016 Berlin truck attack that killed 12 people. Security agencies continue monitoring hundreds of known Islamist extremists nationwide.
