Wigan men found guilty for major terror plot against Jewish Community
Police say attack could have been the biggest terror plot in UK history.
Two men have been found guilty of planning an Islamic State-inspired terrorist attack targeting Greater Manchester’s Jewish community, law enforcement, and military personnel.
After a 10-week trial at Preston Crown Court, Walid Saadaoui, 38, of Crankwood Road, Abram, and Amar Hussein, 52, of no fixed address, were convicted of preparing acts of terrorism intended to cause multiple fatalities using automatic weapons.
The court heard how the pair planned their attack between December 2023 and May 2024, arranging for the purchase and delivery of firearms, conducting reconnaissance missions, and mapping their targets.
The plans unfolded during meetings with an undercover operative who posed as an Islamic State supporter, unknowingly exposing their scheme to police and counter-terrorism investigators.
Over the course of the trial the jury heard how the pair had planned to use four assault rifles, two pistols and 900 rounds in the attack which the police say could have been the largest terror attack in UK history.
GMP assistant chief constable Rob Potts, who holds responsibility for counter terrorism policing in the North West says the pair had planned to involve two other like-minded individuals.
"Given that level of potential capability, if they'd taken possession of those weapons and ammunition, the consequences of carrying out an attack in a crowded area with members of the Jewish community are catastrophic.
"It's extremely unusual, almost unprecedented for someone to develop an attack plan of this level. This is a very unusual set of circumstances, obviously a horrific attack plan that we were very careful to ensure that was never going to be carried out."
Allegations against the defendants
Prosecutors argued that the two men had engaged in a series of acts to prepare for the attack. They claimed Hussein and Saadaoui intended to use weapons purchased abroad, potentially smuggled through Dover, and aimed to inflict “untold harm” on the Jewish community, the military, and law enforcement in the region.
Giving evidence during the trial, Hussein did not deny holding extremist opinions but claimed he was not part of any practical plans to commit acts of terrorism. His barrister argued that the prosecution had failed to prove his involvement beyond mere ideological beliefs.
Saadaoui, who also faced charges during the trial, suggested he had been “playing along” with the undercover operative and that his involvement was aimed at sabotaging any attack.
Saadaoui’s brother, Bilel Saadaoui, 36, of Hindley, Wigan, was also found guilty for failing to disclose information about terrorism, were also part of the trial. He was not planning to take part in the terrorist attacks.
GMP assistant chief constable Rob Potts added: "Everybody in this country has got a duty in order to report concerns about people.
"Every single member of the public, if they have a concern that somebody is potentially a threat, somebody is demonstrating vile hate in what they say, in things they post, in things they communicate, etc., we all have that responsibility to report that to the police."
Both Saadaoui and Hussein will face sentencing in the coming weeks. Police and security organisations continue to ensure measures are in place to keep at-risk communities safe.