Two Men Found Guilty of Plot to Kill Many Jewish People in Manchester
Walid Saadaoui (38) and Amar Hussein (52) were found guilty at Preston Crown Court of preparing acts of terrorism between 13 December 2023 and 9 May 2024. The defendants planned a marauding attack in Greater Manchester intended to kill as many Jewish people as possible, which investigators described as potentially the UK's worst terror attack if not stopped. Bilel Saadaoui (36), Walid's brother, was also found guilty of failing to disclose information about the acts of terrorism within the same timeframe.
The plot involved arranging the purchase and delivery of AK-47 rifles, semi-automatic pistols, and nearly 200 rounds of ammunition. These firearms were supplied by an undercover operative known as Farouk, who had infiltrated jihadist networks. Saadaoui and Hussein had sworn allegiance to Islamic State, with Hussein having formerly served in Saddam Hussein's army.
Saadaoui was arrested on 8 May 2024 during a police sting at the Last Drop hotel car park in Bolton while attempting to take possession of two assault rifles, a semi-automatic pistol, and ammunition. The weapons involved were the same type used in the 2015 Paris attacks. At the time, the defendants were living legally in the UK; the Saadaoui brothers are originally from Tunisia, while Hussein had no fixed abode.
