Two men have been sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of planning a gun attack targeting the Jewish community in Greater Manchester. The sentences were handed down at Preston Crown Court following what counter-terrorism police described as one of the most serious foiled extremist plots in recent years.
The men, Walid Saadaoui, 38, from Abram in Wigan, and Amar Hussein, 52, of no fixed address, were found guilty of preparing acts of terrorism. The court heard that their plan involved carrying out a firearms attack on Jewish community locations in north Manchester. Prosecutors said the plot was motivated by extremist Islamist ideology and that the pair had sought to obtain automatic weapons and ammunition to carry out the assault.
Saadaoui was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 37 years before he can be considered for parole, while Hussein received a life sentence with a minimum term of 26 years. A third man, Bilel Saadaoui, 36, was jailed for six years after being convicted of failing to disclose information about the planned attack.
The investigation was led by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North West, working alongside Greater Manchester Police. Detectives uncovered evidence that the men had carried out reconnaissance in areas with significant Jewish populations and had discussed targeting community buildings and gatherings. They also attempted to arrange the importation of firearms into the United Kingdom. However, the individual they believed could assist them in acquiring weapons was in fact an undercover police officer, a development that proved critical in preventing the attack.
During sentencing, the judge described the planned assault as one that could have caused catastrophic loss of life and widespread fear within the Jewish community and beyond. Police officials said the case demonstrated both the persistence of extremist threats and the importance of intelligence-led counter-terrorism operations.
Community leaders have welcomed the life sentences, stating that the swift intervention by law enforcement likely prevented a tragedy. Authorities have reiterated that there is no ongoing threat linked to the case, while encouraging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
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