Foiled Plot to Kill Jews in Greater Manchester Could Have Been UK’s Deadliest Terrorist Attack

December 24, 2025

In a chilling reminder of the persistent threat of extremist violence, two men were convicted on Tuesday of plotting a large-scale terrorist attack against the Jewish community in the Greater Manchester area — a plan that authorities say could have become the deadliest terrorist incident in UK history. The Independent+1

Walid Saadaoui, 38, and Amar Hussein, 52, were found guilty at Preston Crown Court of preparing acts of terrorism between December 13, 2023, and May 9, 2024. Prosecutors told the court that the pair, inspired by Islamic State ideology and motivated by a “visceral dislike” of Jewish people, intended to carry out a marauding gun attack capable of causing mass casualties. The Independent

A Violent Plot Exposed

According to court evidence, Saadaoui — originally from Tunisia and living legally in the UK — sought to smuggle multiple assault rifles, handguns, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition into Britain. Police said the arsenal included weapons similar to those used in the 2015 Paris attacks that killed 130 people. The Independent

The defendants planned to target a large gathering in Manchester, then continue attacks in Jewish neighbourhoods, including synagogues, schools, and other community sites. Saadaoui had even conducted reconnaissance around areas with high Jewish populations and arranged reconnaissance trips to the port at Dover to explore methods of smuggling weapons into the country undetected. The Independent

However, what the pair didn’t realise was that the person they trusted to supply weapons — known only as “Farouk” — was a covert counter-terrorism operative. Over several months, the undercover operative gained their trust through online contacts and face-to-face meetings, ultimately leading to Saadaoui’s arrest in May 2024 as he attempted to collect firearms at a Bolton hotel car park. The Independent

Convictions and Co-Conspirators

Both Saadaoui and Hussein were convicted of preparing acts of terrorism after a 10-week trial, which saw the jury deliver guilty verdicts in just two days. In addition, Saadaoui’s brother, Bilel Saadaoui, 36, was found guilty of failing to disclose information about the plot — a separate offence that also carries serious penalties. The Standard

Assistant Chief Constable Robert Potts of Greater Manchester Police stated that the attack, had it gone ahead with the planned arsenal, could have eclipsed even the most notorious terror incidents in the UK, emphasising how close the country came to a catastrophic mass shooting. The Standard

Broader Context and Ongoing Risks

The convictions come amid heightened concern over antisemitic and extremist violence within the UK and Europe. Jewish communities have faced multiple threats this year, including a fatal attack on a synagogue in Manchester in October 2025 that resulted in multiple casualties. Wikipedia

Security experts say that while the operational capabilities of groups like Islamic State have been significantly reduced compared with a decade ago, extremist propaganda and lone-actor radicalisation remain potent risks. Cases such as this underscore the critical role of intelligence-led investigations and undercover operations in preventing mass casualty terrorism. Reuters

Looking Ahead

All three convicted men — Walid Saadaoui, Amar Hussein, and Bilel Saadaoui — are scheduled to be sentenced on February 13, 2026, where they are expected to receive long custodial terms under the UK’s terrorism legislation. The Standard

As communities across the UK digest the shocking details of this foiled plot, law enforcement agencies have reiterated their commitment to protecting vulnerable groups and continuing vigilance against extremist violence in all its forms.