Young Man Charged for Planning ISIS-Inspired Suicide Bombing Targeting Stockholm Culture Festival

Authorities in Stockholm have charged 18-year-old Faris Al Abdullah with multiple terrorism offenses related to a planned suicide bombing at the city's Culture Festival scheduled for August 2025. The investigation unveiled his allegiance to ISIS and intent to cause mass harm through a terrorist attack.

The operation to uncover these plans involved an extensive undercover police effort beginning at the close of 2024. A covert officer posed as an extremist for six weeks, gaining Al Abdullah's trust through meetings and communications, during which he revealed detailed attack plans including the construction of a bomb and recording a martyr video to be broadcast following the attack. His preparations also included a reconnaissance trip to Stockholm's Kungsträdgården and weapon displays staged by the undercover officer to solidify Al Abdullah's confidence.

Prosecutor Henrik Ohlin emphasized that martyrdom was a central motivation behind the young man's radicalized agenda. Ohlin stated there was a clear intent to "cause as much harm to human life as possible." Al Abdullah was identified by the Swedish Security Service in late summer 2024 as a self-radicalized individual with violent Islamist sympathies and extensive online contacts sharing similar ideologies.

Following suspicions, police initiated a special investigation on New Year's Eve 2024, culminating in the arrest of Al Abdullah by the National Task Force in early 2025. Charges include preparation of a terrorist act and participation in a terrorist organization. Additionally, Al Abdullah faces charges related to an attempted stabbing incident in Germany in August 2024, where he and a minor tried to attack a man.

This case underscores ongoing vigilance by Swedish authorities against self-radicalized terrorists aiming to execute attacks rooted in extremist ideology. The meticulous infiltration and monitoring by law enforcement prevented what could have been a devastating attack against a major public event in Stockholm.