After the Muslim Brotherhood’s branch ban: mapping terrorist and extremist organizations in Berlin
Within just a few days, a Syrian national planned an attack in Berlin, while the association “Muslim Interaktiv” was banned—highlighting the growing seriousness of the terrorist threat in Germany.
On Wednesday morning, police forces in Berlin searched at least one building in the Neukölln district as part of the ban on “Muslim Interaktiv,” an association linked to the Muslim Brotherhood.
Last weekend, headlines were dominated by the case of a 22-year-old Syrian man arrested in Neukölln by security authorities after growing evidence suggested he was planning an attack on behalf of the so-called Islamic State (ISIS).
According to reports, the young man became radicalized on social media through what has been termed “Islamism on TikTok,” a trend strongly represented by the organization “Muslim Interaktiv.”
According to the Ministry of the Interior, such groups rely heavily on social media activity and “organized events” in the real world.
Last year, Muslim Interaktiv succeeded in mobilizing more than 1,000 participants at several demonstrations related to the Middle East conflict.
These incidents raise concerns about the scale of the threat posed by terrorist and extremist organizations in Berlin.
A growing threat
According to the Berlin Office for the Protection of the Constitution, the number of Islamists in the capital now stands at 2,440, marking an increase of 100 individuals compared to the previous year.
The escalation of conflict in the Middle East since October 7, 2023, has been identified as a key factor behind this rise.
Among the most dangerous groups in Berlin are those affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, which seeks to strengthen its influence over Muslims in Germany through mosques, associations, and umbrella organizations.
The Brotherhood reportedly has around 200 leading members in Berlin alone and continues its gradual efforts to infiltrate German institutions.
One of its branches, “Muslim Interaktiv,” has organized marches calling for the restoration of the caliphate on German streets and spreads online content targeting youth and minors to encourage mobilization and recruitment.
In Berlin, followers of radical Salafism also stand out as one of the most active groups in 2024. According to the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, “Political Salafism relies on propaganda to spread its ideology, while Jihadist Salafism depends on the strategic use of violence.”
The report adds: “The transition between these two streams is fluid. Extremist preachers operate both in related mosques and online, with their discourse specifically targeting minors and young people.”
Groups embracing this ideology “use social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to reach adolescents.”
Rather than discussing complex religious topics, today’s Salafist content on social platforms focuses on issues related to everyday life.
ISIS, Hezbollah, and Hamas
Beyond Salafism, the Islamic State (ISIS) remains the greatest threat to internal security in Berlin. Its Central Asian branch, known as “Khorasan Province” (ISPK), has recently gained prominence.
Authorities believe that about 60 individuals in Berlin are connected to this branch.
In addition to spreading anti-Western propaganda, ISIS continues to plan attacks against “soft targets,” including festivals, concerts, and sporting events.
Hamas, which is banned in Germany, has also intensified its activities in Berlin since October 7, 2023. The group is estimated to have around 250 members in the capital, spreading its ideology within the Muslim community under the pretext of solidarity with Palestinians.
Other actors within Berlin’s Islamist landscape include Hezbollah, backed by Iran (around 300 members), and Hizb ut-Tahrir (80 members), both banned from operating in Germany.
