Two men have been sentenced to life in prison for plotting a terrorist attack on Greater Manchester’s Jewish community, which was thwarted by an undercover operative. Walid Saadaoui, 38, and Amar Hussein, 52, were found guilty of preparing acts of terrorism between December 2023 and May 2024. The judge said the attack would likely have been one of the deadliest on British soil.
Saadaoui, a Tunisian-born former restaurant owner, was ordered to serve a minimum of 37 years, while Hussein, a Kuwaiti national, must serve at least 26 years. Saadaoui’s brother, Bilel Saadaoui, 37, was sentenced to six years for failing to disclose information about the plot. All three had denied the charges.
The court heard that Saadaoui and Hussein planned to use semi-automatic rifles and pistols to attack an antisemitism march in Manchester city centre, then target Jewish schools, nurseries, and synagogues in suburbs north of the city. The weapons were supplied by an undercover operative, known as Farouk, who infiltrated jihadist networks.
Saadaoui was arrested in May 2024 as he attempted to collect two assault rifles, a pistol, and nearly 200 rounds of ammunition at a hotel car park in Bolton. The weapons had been deactivated. Police said the plot could have been the deadliest terrorist attack in UK history, and praised the courage of the undercover operative.
Sentencing, Mr Justice Wall said the attack would have caused mass casualties, including children. Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson highlighted the fear faced by Jewish communities, noting that they endure threats that others do not.
