ISIS-Inspired Terrorists Sentenced to Life for Manchester Jewish Massacre Plot
Two Islamic State fanatics who plotted a deadly attack on one of Europe's largest Jewish communities in Greater Manchester have been sentenced to life imprisonment. Walid Saadaoui, 38, and his accomplice Amar Hussein, 52, were caught in an elaborate police sting operation as they attempted to collect weapons for their planned massacre.
Dramatic Armed Police Confrontation Captured on Bodycam
Police bodycam footage reveals the dramatic moment when armed officers confronted Saadaoui at the Last Drop hotel in Bolton in May 2024. Officers can be heard shouting "armed police get on the floor" and "get on the f***ing floor" as they ran towards the startled terrorist, who was wearing a white t-shirt and jeans. Saadaoui attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended and dragged to the ground by police.
At the time of his arrest, Saadaoui believed he was meeting an undercover operative named 'Farouk' to take delivery of two assault rifles, a semi-automatic pistol, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. The court heard that Farouk had successfully infiltrated jihadist social media networks, convincing Saadaoui that he was a fellow extremist.
Deadly Plot Against Jewish Community Foiled
Prosecutors revealed that Saadaoui and Hussein intended to launch what could have been the deadliest terrorist attack on UK soil. The pair had planned to use AK47 Kalashnikov weapons to target members of the Jewish community in Greater Manchester in what police described as "an evil act born out of hate and intolerance."
Greater Manchester Police's Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts stated: "If they had been successful then what followed would have been devastating and potentially one of the deadliest terrorist attacks to ever take place on UK soil."
Undercover Operation Prevents Catastrophe
The elaborate police operation involved an undercover operative who put himself in significant danger by meeting with the would-be terrorists on multiple occasions. Farouk had duped the jihadists into believing that a cache of assault rifles, handguns, and ammunition was being transported to the UK on a cross-Channel ferry.
Surveillance pictures released by police show the two men scouting at the Port of Dover, where they believed the illegal firearms would be transported through. Additional photographs reveal the weapons the men believed they were purchasing for their planned rampage.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Following a trial lasting almost three months at Preston Crown Court, jurors took just two days to convict Saadaoui and Hussein of preparing acts of terrorism between December 2023 and May 2024. A third defendant, Walid's brother Bilel Saadaoui, 36, was found guilty of failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism.
Sentencing the terrorists, Mr Justice Mark Wall KC told them: "I am sure that you intended to use AK47 Kalashnikov weapons to launch a deadly attack on the city of Manchester. Your attacks would have led to the deaths of people of all ages, including children."
The judge added: "You are anti-Semitic, you intended to target the Jewish community," confirming that both men were "fervent supporters of ISIS."
Life Sentences Imposed
Walid Saadaoui, who played the leading role in the plot, received a life sentence with a minimum term of 37 years. Taking into account time already served in custody, he will serve a further 35 years and 89 days.
Amar Hussein, who refused to appear in court and was condemned for his "cowardice," was jailed for life with a minimum of 26 years. Less time served, he will serve 24 years and 89 days.
Bilel Saadaoui, who worked in a discount shop and knew about the plot but chose to remain silent, was sentenced to six years and 165 days for failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism.
Prosecution's Grave Warning
Harpreet Sandhu KC, prosecuting, told the court: "These defendants were prepared to kill several hundred people. Had the preparations for mass murder been enacted, the defendants would have committed one of the deadliest attacks involving firearms in the UK's history, and certainly the worst firearms attack against the Jewish community."
The prosecution noted that this case fell chronologically between two other terrorist attacks focused on Jewish communities in Manchester and Sydney, warning that this plot "could have been very much more serious."
