Three Convicted in Foiled ISIS-Inspired Plot Targeting Manchester’s Jewish Community
MANCHESTER, England — Three men were convicted on Tuesday for their roles in planning a devastating gun attack on Jewish targets in Manchester, in what law enforcement officials described as a highly advanced ISIS-inspired terror plot that could have resulted in the deadliest terrorist attack in U.K. history. Walid Saadaoui, 38, and Amar Hussein, 52, were found guilty at Preston Crown Court of conspiring to carry out a marauding firearms assault on crowded Jewish sites, while Saadaoui’s brother, Bilel Saadaoui, 36, was convicted of failing to disclose information about the plot.
The Crown Prosecution Service detailed how Saadaoui financed the operation by selling his home and business, using the proceeds to pay an initial deposit toward purchasing four AK-47 assault rifles, two pistols, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. The men’s plan involved moving between multiple locations and targeting police officers who might respond to the attacks.
The plot was uncovered through an undercover police operation, with Saadaoui arrested on May 8, 2024, as he attempted to take possession of the weapons and ammunition. Police body-worn camera footage captured the dramatic moment armed officers apprehended him during the handover. Greater Manchester Police Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts warned that the assault on Jewish sites would have had “catastrophic” consequences, emphasizing the scale of the threat.
Prosecutors revealed that Saadaoui admired Hamid al-Abaoud, the ISIS operative who orchestrated the deadly 2015 Paris attacks, and sought to replicate a similar style of mass murder. Court testimony included chilling statements from Saadaoui expressing his intent to kill “young, old, women, elderly, the whole lot,” and describing Christian victims as “a bonus.”
In preparation for the attack, Saadaoui and Hussein conducted surveillance trips to the White Cliffs of Dover in early 2024, assessing port security as they believed weapons would be smuggled into the U.K. via this route. The plot’s disruption has brought relief to a community that has reported increasing fears for their safety amid rising antisemitism across the country.
This case underscores the ongoing threat posed by ISIS-inspired terrorism in Europe. The National Police Chiefs’ Council has coordinated efforts to monitor and prevent such attacks, while the Security Service (MI5) continues to prioritize counterterrorism operations.
Authorities also highlight the critical role of intelligence sharing and undercover operations in thwarting attacks. The U.K. government’s Home Office has reinforced its commitment to protecting vulnerable communities and enhancing security measures at religious and cultural sites.
As British Jews express growing concerns about their safety, community leaders have called for increased vigilance and support from law enforcement. The convictions serve as a stark reminder of the persistent dangers posed by extremist ideologies and the importance of sustained counterterrorism vigilance.
For more information on counterterrorism efforts and public safety measures, visit the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Security Service websites.
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