Two men who arranged to smuggle firearms into the UK as part of an ISIS-inspired conspiracy to attack Manchester’s Jewish community have been sentenced to life imprisonment with combined minimum terms exceeding 60 years.
Preston Crown Court handed Walid Saadaoui, 38, of Abram in Wigan, a minimum term of 37 years, whilst Amar Hussein, 52, of no fixed abode, received a 26-year minimum sentence. Both were convicted of preparing acts of terrorism between 13 December 2023 and 9 May 2024.
Greater Manchester Police described the plot as one that could have become “the UK’s most deadly terror attack” had law enforcement not intervened. An undercover operative played what police described as a “crucial role” in foiling the weapons smuggling operation before the attack could be carried out.
The court heard the pair had arranged for guns to be brought into the country to target the Jewish community in Manchester. The undercover operative’s intervention proved decisive in preventing the ISIS-inspired conspiracy from advancing beyond the planning stage.
A third defendant, Bilel Saadaoui, 36, the younger brother of Walid Saadaoui, was convicted of failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism. His sentence has not yet been announced.
The lengthy minimum terms mean Walid Saadaoui will not be eligible for parole consideration until 2061, by which time he will be 75 years old. Hussein’s 26-year minimum term extends to 2050 when he will be 78. Both men will remain subject to parole board assessment and may never be released if deemed to continue posing a threat.
The convictions represent a significant counter-terrorism success for Greater Manchester Police and security services. The case underscores the continuing threat posed by ISIS-inspired plots targeting specific communities within the UK and the importance of undercover operations in preventing attacks.
The investigation and prosecution demonstrate collaboration between local police forces, security services and undercover operatives in identifying and disrupting terrorism plots before they can be executed. The firearms smuggling operation was intercepted before weapons could enter the country and reach the plotters.
Further details about the case and circumstances of the investigation are expected to be released as proceedings conclude.
