A recent court hearing has unveiled chilling details regarding a planned assault on a UK military base by Mohammad Bashir, an associate of Jihad Al-Shamie, who perpetrated a deadly attack at a Manchester synagogue. Bashir, 31, has admitted to engaging in acts of terrorism, as evidence reveals he assisted Al-Shamie in conducting reconnaissance at the Defence Academy in Shrivenham last August.
Reconnaissance Mission at MoD Base
The prosecution outlined that on August 14, 2025, Bashir drove Al-Shamie on a lengthy 10-hour trip to the UK Defence Academy, where they allegedly conducted hostile reconnaissance. This military institution, located in Swindon, serves as a vital training ground for British Armed Forces and international personnel, often hosting thousands of individuals at any given time.
Following their reconnaissance mission, both men took steps to erase their digital footprints by disposing of their mobile phones. This act of caution did not go unnoticed, and investigators later uncovered incriminating messages exchanged between the two men. These communications, retrieved from Al-Shamie’s phone after his arrest in February 2025, indicated a shared commitment to extremist ideologies.
The Heaton Park Attack
Al-Shamie, 35, carried out his attack on October 2, 2025, at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Crumpsall, Manchester, where he killed two worshippers, Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby. He was ultimately shot dead by police during the incident. The court learned that Al-Shamie had driven his Kia Picanto through the synagogue gates before launching a knife attack while wearing a fake suicide belt.
Prosecutor Jonathan Polnay KC characterised Bashir as a “long-standing, committed jihadist,” asserting that the nature of the attack they were planning mirrored the violent actions ultimately taken by Al-Shamie. Bashir, who has no prior convictions, pleaded guilty last month to the preparation of terrorist acts.
Disturbing Evidence of Extremism
The prosecution’s case was bolstered by the revelation of CCTV footage showing Bashir and Al-Shamie at the Al-Sunnah Mosque in Cheetham Hill, where their discussions revealed plans of violence. During a recorded conversation, Al-Shamie expressed a desire for weaponry, stating, “I wish we had a weapon. We need to get one. Crossbow. Is there a way for us to go in?” Bashir’s enthusiastic response included, “You got me really excited,” demonstrating their alignment in extremist thought.
Further analysis revealed Al-Shamie had made online searches for terms related to military uniforms, suicide vests, and potential targets, indicating a premeditated approach to the acts of terror they had contemplated. It was noted that from late August, Al-Shamie had shifted his focus towards the synagogue, conducting research on local rabbis and the synagogue’s operational details.
Sentencing and Ongoing Proceedings
Bashir was apprehended at Manchester Airport on November
