Life Sentences Handed Down for Terror Plot
Two men, Walid Saadaoui, 38, and Amar Hussein, 52, have been sentenced to life imprisonment at Preston Crown Court for their roles in an Islamic State (IS)-inspired plot to launch a devastating firearms attack against Greater Manchester's Jewish community. The sentencing took place on Friday, February 13, 2026, following their conviction in December 2025 for preparing acts of terrorism.
Walid Saadaoui, identified as the prime mover in the plot, was ordered to serve a minimum of 37 years in prison. His accomplice, Amar Hussein, received a minimum term of 26 years. A third defendant, Bilel Saadaoui, 37, Walid's younger brother, was sentenced to six years and 165 days for failing to disclose information about the planned attack.
Details of the Foiled Attack
The court heard that Walid Saadaoui and Amar Hussein planned a marauding firearms attack, intending to use AK-47 Kalashnikov rifles and handguns. Their targets included an antisemitism march in Manchester city centre, after which they intended to hijack an ambulance, change into paramedic uniforms, and proceed to Cheetham Hill, an area with a significant Jewish population, to continue their assault. Prosecutors stated that the defendants planned to kill indiscriminately until they were killed themselves or could escape.
Mr. Justice Mark Wall, during sentencing, remarked that if the plot had succeeded, it would 'likely have been one of the deadliest terror attacks ever carried out on British soil.' He emphasized that the victims would have been 'unarmed and defenceless,' and that 'people of all ages, including children,' could have died.
Undercover Operation Thwarts Deadly Scheme
The elaborate plot, which spanned from December 2023 to May 2024, was ultimately thwarted by a covert counter-terrorism operation involving an undercover operative known as 'Farouk'. Walid Saadaoui came into contact with 'Farouk' online, believing him to be a fellow extremist, and subsequently revealed his plans, including the intention to import automatic firearms.
Saadaoui was arrested on May 8, 2024, in a hotel car park in Bolton as he attempted to take possession of firearms, which had been deactivated by authorities. Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts of Counter Terrorism Policing North West described the disruption as 'one of the most significant terrorist plot disruptions we have seen in the UK for several years.'
Extremist Ideology and Motivation
The court was told that Walid Saadaoui and Amar Hussein were Islamist extremists with a 'visceral dislike' of Jewish people. Walid Saadaoui reportedly 'hero-worshipped' Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the orchestrator of the 2015 Paris terror attacks. His plans to escalate his attacks reportedly intensified following the outbreak of war in Gaza in October 2023. Both Walid Saadaoui and Amar Hussein had sworn allegiance to Islamic State.
0 Comments