Radicalized Plot to Kill Hundreds Foiled by Authorities
Two men have been given lengthy prison terms in the United Kingdom after being found guilty of preparing a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State ideology that aimed to kill hundreds of Jewish people. The case, heard at Preston Crown Court, revealed chilling plans to use automatic firearms in a marauding gun assault that, if successful, could have been among the deadliest terror acts on UK soil.
Leaders Behind the Plan Receive Long Sentences
The principal plotters, Walid Saadaoui, 38, and Amar Hussein, 52, were convicted of preparing acts of terrorism. Saadaoui was ordered to serve a minimum of 37 years in prison, while Hussein received a minimum term of 26 years behind bars. Judge Mark Wall warned in sentencing that the pair were “very close” to carrying out their scheme before being stopped by law enforcement.
Authorities uncovered evidence that the extremists intended to smuggle assault rifles, handguns and large quantities of ammunition into England. Their aim was to target Jewish neighbourhoods and gatherings, including in the Greater Manchester area, using automatic weapons to inflict mass casualties.
Plot Disrupted After Undercover Operation
The violent plot was dismantled after an undercover agent, posing as a fellow extremist contact, gained the men’s trust and helped expose their intentions to law enforcement. Saadaoui had communicated online with the operative and made arrangements that authorities later used to monitor and thwart the planned attack. Both men were arrested in May 2024 during a large-scale counterterrorism operation involving more than 200 officers.
Police described the pair as driven by extremist beliefs and a deep-seated hatred of Jewish people, and noted the seriousness of their plan could have resulted in catastrophic loss of life had it been executed.
