Terrorist Who Plotted Manchester Jewish Massacre Boasts ISIS Support in Police Footage
A fanatic who plotted to attack the Jewish community in Greater Manchester has been seen boasting about his support for Islamic State in newly released police interview footage. Amar Hussein, 52, was convicted alongside Walid Saadaoui, 38, of planning to massacre "as many Jewish people as they could" by targeting synagogues and schools.
Twisted Ideology Revealed in Custody
In the disturbing video released by authorities, Hussein wears a grey prison-issued tracksuit while being questioned about his extremist beliefs. When asked if he supports ISIS, he initially responds with evasion, stating: "I don't answer this question." However, when pressed further, the convicted terrorist reveals his true allegiance.
"They are Muslim, they make sure of sharia," Hussein declares, before adding: "All Muslims are hypocrites, but Isis are real Muslim, they make sharia." His statements provide chilling insight into the ideological motivation behind what prosecutors described as a plot that could have become one of the deadliest firearms attacks in British history.
Deadly Plot Uncovered
The court heard that Hussein and Saadaoui planned to use AK47 Kalashnikov weapons to launch their assault on Manchester's Jewish community during summer 2023. Their intended targets included synagogues and schools, with Saadaoui reportedly stating that Jewish people were the primary focus while describing any Christian casualties as "a bonus."
Sentencing the pair at Preston Crown Court, 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." He added that their actions would have led to deaths across all age groups, including children, had the plot succeeded.
Undercover Operation Thwarts Attack
The terrorist conspiracy was foiled through an extensive undercover operation. Saadaoui had arranged for the purchase and delivery of semi-automatic rifles, conducted reconnaissance missions, and identified specific targets. Unbeknownst to him, the man supplying the weapons was actually an undercover operative known as "Farouk" who had infiltrated jihadist social media networks.
Police arrested Saadaoui in May 2024 as he attempted to take possession of two assault rifles, a semi-automatic pistol, and nearly 200 rounds of ammunition at the car park of the Last Drop hotel in Bolton. Simultaneously, officers detained Hussein at his electrical business premises.
Severe Sentences Handed Down
Following a trial lasting almost three months, jurors took just two days to convict both men of preparing acts of terrorism between December 2023 and May 2024. Saadaoui received a life sentence with a minimum term of 37 years, reduced to 35 years and 89 days accounting for time already served in custody. The judge identified him as playing the leading role in the conspiracy.
Hussein, who refused to appear in court and was condemned for his "cowardice," received a life sentence with a minimum of 26 years, reduced to 24 years and 89 days. A third defendant, Bilel Saadaoui, Walid's 36-year-old brother, was found guilty of failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism and received a six-year, 165-day sentence.
Background of the Conspirators
The court heard that both Saadaoui brothers originally came from Tunisia and had been living legally in the UK for several years. They had sworn allegiance to Islamic State before arriving in the country. Hussein, who also pledged allegiance to ISIS and was understood to be living legally in Britain, claimed to have served in Saddam Hussein's army during his earlier life.
Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson commented following the convictions: "It was clear throughout this trial that the scale of the offender's hatred towards our Jewish community knew no bounds. They sought to bring slaughter to the innocent, but the outstanding dedication and commitment of our people ensured that this - unequivocally - could not happen."
The case represents one of the most significant counter-terrorism operations in recent British history, preventing what authorities believe would have been the UK's worst terrorist attack had it not been intercepted.
