ISIS-inspired plot to attack Jews in Manchester goes to trial

Two men went on trial Wednesday in Greater Manchester over an alleged Islamic State-inspired plot to attack the Jewish community in the metropolitan county in northwestern England.

Local law enforcement stressed in a statement that there was no connection with the Oct. 2 terrorist attack on a synagogue in Crumpsall during Yom Kippur that killed two and wounded three. Judge Mark Wall also emphasized to jurors that the timing was coincidental.

British prosecutors said at the start of the 12-week trial at Preston Crown Court that the attack aimed at “killing hundreds of innocent people,” according to Reuters.

The suspects—Walid Saadaoui, 38, and Amar Hussein, 52—were arrested and charged with preparing terrorist acts in May 2024, following an extended investigation guided by intelligence sources. Walid Saadaoui’s brother Bilel Saadaoui, 36, is charged with failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism. All three have pleaded not guilty.

The news agency quoted prosecutors as saying that Walid Saadaoui and Hussein “embraced the views of the so-called Islamic State ... (and) were prepared to risk their own lives” to become martyrs.

Prosecutor Harpreet Sandhu said that Walid Saadaoui tried to smuggle into Britain two assault rifles and an automatic pistol, and arranged for delivery of three more weapons and ammunition. The rifles were similar to those used in the attack in Paris in 2015 that killed 130 people and were “capable of causing untold harm.”

Sandhu was reportedly interrupted when Hussein shouted: “How many babies?” The prosecutor said that they planned to “identify a mass gathering of Jewish people whom they could attack” and would kill any police officers or law enforcement who got in their way.

They planned to take the action with a third man named “Farouk” who they believed shared the same goals and ideology but was in fact an undercover operative.

“As the evidence in this case is presented to the court and reported upon, I am acutely aware of the potential for emerging detail to have a further unsettling effect on our Jewish community in particular,” said Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police Sir Stephen Watson.

“I am constrained in commenting on this case in any more detail given the potential to otherwise prejudice proceedings; and it is of course essential that the trial is in no way tainted by speculation or inappropriate commentary,” he continued.

“I can, however, give the assurance that every available officer in Greater Manchester will continue to be deployed over the coming days and weeks in a manner which I hope will provide reassurance.”