Two men involved in a Jewish community terror plot in Manchester have been sentenced to life imprisonment, with minimum terms of 37 years and 26 years.
Walid Saadaoui, 38, and Amar Hussein, 52, had planned a mass shooting at a march against antisemitism, intending to target areas of the city with large Jewish populations.
The plot was foiled after Saadaoui, of Abram in Wigan, shared his deadly plans online with someone he believed shared his extremist ideology.
Unbeknownst to him, the contact was an undercover officer known in court as Farouk, whose intervention prevented what could have been one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in UK history.
At Preston Crown Court, Mr Justice Wall highlighted the severity of the plot, stating that if it had been executed, it “likely would have been one of the deadliest terror attacks ever carried out on British soil.”
The plan involved firing AK-47 rifles into unarmed crowds, with 120 rounds ready and spare magazines on hand, putting people of all ages, including children, at extreme risk.
Saadaoui moved to the North West in 2022 and made several unsuccessful attempts to purchase firearms online. He posted Isis propaganda on multiple social media accounts, encouraged others to take up arms, and expressed admiration for Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the leader of the 2015 Paris attacks.
He also covertly followed a Jewish Facebook page to monitor events. Hussein, a fellow Isis sympathiser, was recruited to conduct reconnaissance and assist with weapon logistics.
Together, they planned to use high-powered rifles, pistols, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition to inflict maximum harm.
In March 2024, they conducted reconnaissance in Dover, Kent, exploring ways to smuggle weapons into the country and secured a safe house in Bolton for storage.
The undercover officer Farouk was central to stopping the plot. By engaging with the men, he obtained critical evidence of their intentions, extremist ideology, and plans for mass murder.
Saadaoui and Hussein believed Farouk could import automatic firearms from abroad, welcoming him into their scheme.
Mr Justice Wall praised Farouk’s courage and skill, noting that his actions potentially saved many lives and deserved recognition even though his true identity remains protected.
The investigation revealed that Saadaoui had discussed the plot with his younger brother, Bilel Saadaoui, 36. Bilel was convicted of failing to disclose information about the plan to authorities and sentenced to six years in prison, with an extended licence period of 12 months.
This illustrates the wider impact extremist ideologies can have within families and communities.
During the trial, the court heard detailed evidence of Saadaoui and Hussein’s communications, their reconnaissance missions, and their attempts to acquire firearms. Saadaoui received a minimum term of 37 years, while Hussein was sentenced to 26 years.
Frank Ferguson, head of the Special Crime and Counter Terrorism division at the Crown Prosecution Service, described the plot as “deeply disturbing” and emphasised that terrorism is an attack on the fabric of society.
He also praised the undercover operative for securing evidence that exposed the men’s Isis affiliations and murderous intentions.
This sentencing highlights the persistent threat of Islamist-inspired terrorism in the UK and underscores the importance of intelligence operations, undercover work, and community vigilance in preventing mass-casualty attacks.
Police chiefs warned that anti-Jewish hate is a societal issue, not just a problem for targeted communities. Preventative measures, combined with careful investigation, remain crucial to public safety.
The case also demonstrates how extremists exploit online platforms to radicalise, conduct reconnaissance, and plan attacks.
Coordinated efforts between law enforcement, counterterrorism agencies, and communities are essential to counter such evolving threats. The life sentences for Saadaoui and Hussein represent the success of these efforts and the determination of the UK justice system to hold terrorists accountable.
Authorities continue to stress that extremist ideologies remain a serious threat, and public vigilance, combined with proactive policing, is vital to protecting communities.
The bravery of undercover officers like Farouk, alongside meticulous investigative work, prevented a tragedy and provides a model for foiling future attacks inspired by extremist ideologies.
The case reinforces the message that the UK will pursue and prosecute those who plan terrorist acts, ensuring that communities remain safe from such threats.
The investigation into the Jewish community terror plot also revealed the extensive planning and sophistication of the would-be attackers. Saadaoui and Hussein had researched escape routes, potential targets, and the logistics of smuggling firearms into the country, demonstrating premeditation and careful forethought.
Authorities highlighted that such planning posed an extraordinary risk, not only to those directly targeted but to bystanders and first responders who could have been caught in the crossfire.
Counterterrorism officials stressed that the intervention prevented a scenario in which hundreds of innocent people could have suffered serious injury or death, underscoring the importance of proactive intelligence operations in protecting public spaces and vulnerable communities.
Experts also noted the wider societal implications of the plot, particularly how extremist ideologies can inspire violence in isolated individuals and small groups. Community outreach programs, alongside law enforcement vigilance, were cited as essential tools in identifying radicalisation early and preventing potential attacks.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for ongoing public awareness and reporting of suspicious behaviour. By dismantling plots like this one before they are executed, authorities reinforce a message that extremist violence will not be tolerated and that every citizen has a role in safeguarding the wider community.
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