In a significant ruling at Preston Crown Court, two men have been sentenced for their roles in a planned attack aimed at the Jewish community in Greater Manchester. Walid Saadaoui, 38, received a 37-year prison sentence, while Amar Hussein, 52, was sentenced to 26 years. Their plot, which was foiled by an undercover operative, had the potential to become one of the deadliest terrorist incidents in British history.
Details of the Plot
The court proceedings revealed that Saadaoui and Hussein were motivated by extremist ideologies, having pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS). Between December 2023 and May 2024, they orchestrated a scheme to carry out a firearms assault targeting a large gathering of Jewish individuals, specifically an antisemitism march in Manchester city centre.
Saadaoui, a former restaurant owner with ties to extremist propaganda, took the lead in the operation. He conducted extensive reconnaissance, identifying key locations such as Jewish schools, synagogues, and community centres. In a chilling twist, the duo planned to disguise themselves as members of the Jewish community to execute their attack.
Undercover Intervention
The plot was ultimately thwarted by an undercover operative known as Farouk, who had embedded himself within jihadist networks. Farouk successfully convinced Saadaoui of his extremist credentials, allowing him to gather intelligence on the aspiring attackers. On 8 May 2024, law enforcement officials arrested Saadaoui during a counter-terror operation involving over 200 officers, as he attempted to collect weapons that were covertly provided by the operative.
The arsenal in question included two assault rifles, a semi-automatic pistol, and nearly 200 rounds of ammunition, all of which had been rendered inoperable for safety reasons. The operation underscored the significant threat posed by the duo, and the court acknowledged the severe implications had their plan come to fruition.
Sentencing Remarks
During sentencing, Mr Justice Wall emphasised the potential devastation of the attack. He stated, “Your plan envisaged you and two others discharging AK-47s into a large crowd of marchers, who were unarmed and defenceless.” He further noted that the attack could have resulted in numerous casualties, including innocent children.
Additionally, Bilel Saadaoui, Walid’s brother, received a six-year sentence for failing to report his brother’s intentions. All three men had denied the charges throughout a trial that spanned nearly three months.
Community Responses
In the aftermath of the verdict, Assistant Chief Constable Robert Potts of Greater Manchester Police highlighted the gravity of the situation, asserting that the weaponry involved indicated the potential for unprecedented destruction. He praised the bravery of the undercover operative, whose actions undoubtedly saved countless lives.
Sir Stephen Watson, Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, also addressed the broader implications of the case. He noted that Jewish communities in the UK face unique challenges and fears that others do not, a reality underscored by recent antisemitic incidents across the globe.
Why it Matters
This sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by extremist ideologies. It highlights the crucial role of law enforcement and community vigilance in preventing potential acts of violence. The case sheds light on the urgent need for robust measures to protect vulnerable communities and underscores the importance of unity against hate in all its forms. The implications of this plot, had it not been intercepted, could have reshaped the landscape of safety and security for Jewish communities across the UK, reinforcing the imperative for ongoing vigilance and solidarity in the fight against extremism.
