Three Convicted in Foiled ISIS-Inspired Plot Targeting Jewish Sites in Manchester
Three men—Walid Saadaoui (38), Amar Hussein (52), and Bilel Saadaoui (36)—were convicted at Preston Crown Court for their roles in an ISIS-inspired plan to attack Jewish targets in Manchester. Saadaoui and Hussein were found guilty of planning a firearms attack, while Bilel Saadaoui was convicted of failing to disclose information about the plot.
Prosecutors revealed the plan involved acquiring four AK-47 rifles, two pistols, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. The funds for the weapons were raised by selling Saadaoui's home and business, with Saadaoui also paying an initial deposit toward the firearms. The plot was uncovered during an undercover operation, leading to Saadaoui's arrest on May 8, 2024, while attempting to take possession of the weapons; arrest footage was recorded.
The attackers intended to move between multiple locations, target police responders, and strike crowded Jewish sites in north Manchester, an area with a significant Jewish community. Saadaoui expressed a desire to kill broadly and admired ISIS Paris attacker Hamid al-Abaoud.
Greater Manchester Police Assistant Chief Constable, Rob Potts, stated the plan could have resulted in the deadliest terrorist attack in UK history with catastrophic consequences. The foiled plot increased concerns about the safety of Jewish residents, especially given Manchester's history of terrorism incidents, including the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing and the October 2023 synagogue attack.
A December 2025 poll by the Campaign Against Antisemitism found that 51% of British Jews do not believe they have a long-term future in the UK, 61% have considered leaving within two years, and 96% feel Jews have become less safe since October 7, 2023. Additionally, MI5 intelligence indicated Saadaoui had prior contact with a British extremist who left the UK to join ISIS in 2013.
