Manchester terror plot targeting Jewish community foiled

Three men have been convicted over a foiled terrorist plot to attack Jewish targets in Greater Manchester, after an undercover operation prevented what police describe as one of the most serious threats seen in the UK in years.

Brothers Walid Saadaoui, 38, and Bilel Saadaoui, 36, and Amar Hussein, 52, were found guilty at Preston Crown Court on Tuesday. Walid Saadaoui and Hussein were convicted of preparation of terrorist acts under the Terrorism Act 2006. Bilel Saadaoui was convicted of failing to disclose information about an act of terrorism.

Prosecutors said Walid Saadaoui believed he was communicating with a like-minded extremist committed to helping him import automatic weapons. In reality, he was speaking with an undercover operative known as “Farouk”, who spent months embedded in the plot. Investigators found Saadaoui had discussed plans to target Jewish people, carried out reconnaissance in Salford, and visited Dover in the belief weapons could be smuggled through the port. Hussein later joined the plot, meeting Farouk and discussing logistics. Walid’s brother Bilel was aware of the plans but did not alert authorities.

All three will be sentenced on 13 February 2026.

Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts of Counter Terrorism Policing North West said the case represented “one of the most significant terrorist plot disruptions we have seen in the UK for several years” and warned of the attack’s potential scale.

He described the planned assault as “an evil act born out of hate and intolerance” and added that if successful it could have been “one of the deadliest terrorist attacks to ever take place on UK soil”. Potts also highlighted the risks taken by the undercover operative, noting he “put himself in significant danger each time he met with two would-be terrorists”.

The case unfolded against a backdrop of heightened fear within the Jewish community. GMP Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said the offenders’ motives were driven by antisemitism and praised the joint policing effort that stopped the plot. He said: “They sought to bring slaughter to the innocent, but the outstanding dedication and commitment of our people ensured that this could not happen.” He added that “a terrorist attack upon our Jewish friends and neighbours is an attack on us all” and stressed police will continue to “stand alongside all of our communities”.

Officers continued to work with community groups, including the Community Security Trust, throughout the trial. The convictions come two months after a separate attack targeting Manchester’s Jewish community and follow several recent incidents internationally, including a deadly attack in Sydney. Authorities emphasised that today’s outcome should reassure the public that high-risk threats are being actively monitored and disrupted.