What Stopped the Gun Plot Targeting the Jewish Community?

Two men plotted a significant terrorist attack targeting Jews in Greater Manchester, which could have become "the UK's most deadly terrorist attack." Their plan was thwarted by an undercover operative who infiltrated their group, revealing their intentions to smuggle firearms and ammunition into the UK. The case highlights serious concerns about anti-Semitism and the radicalisation of individuals within the UK.

Last updated: 07 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Walid Saadaoui and Amar Hussein were arrested on 8 May 2023 after their plot to attack a Jewish gathering in Greater Manchester was uncovered by police. An undercover operative, posing as a sympathiser, played a crucial role in gathering evidence against them. Their intentions to carry out a mass shooting aimed at Jewish individuals have raised alarms about rising anti-Semitic sentiments and the potential for extreme violence in the UK.

Key takeaways

Walid Saadaoui, 38, and Amar Hussein, 52, plotted a deadly attack against Jews in Greater Manchester.
Their plans involved smuggling firearms including AK-47s and handguns into the UK.
Undercover operative Farouk infiltrated their group, providing critical evidence to police.
Saadaoui idolised terror figures and intended to carry out a martyrdom operation.
Both men have been found guilty of preparing acts of terrorism.

Timeline: how we got here

Key events leading up to the arrests include:

December 2022: Undercover operative Farouk makes initial contact with Saadaoui.
8 May 2023: Saadaoui is arrested in a hotel car park in Bolton. Weapons and ammunition are discovered in his vehicle.
May 2023: Hussein and Bilel Saadaoui are also apprehended shortly after.
September 2023: Saadaoui and Hussein found guilty of preparing acts of terrorism.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The recent trial has revealed further details about the motivations and ideologies of Saadaoui and Hussein. Evidence from the undercover operative highlights the seriousness of their intentions to carry out a mass attack.

What was already established

It was initially known that Saadaoui had connections to extremist ideologies and was planning an attack. The undercover operation confirmed these suspicions and provided concrete evidence for prosecution.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The threat of terrorism has a direct impact on community safety and public confidence. The increased visibility of anti-Semitic sentiments and hate crimes necessitates community vigilance and police action to protect vulnerable groups.

Businesses and jobs

Businesses, especially those in areas with significant Jewish populations, may experience increased security measures and a heightened sense of fear. This could lead to economic implications if communities feel unsafe.

Policy and regulation

The UK government may respond with tighter regulations regarding firearms and heightened counter-terrorism measures. There may also be calls for increased funding for community safety initiatives to combat hate crimes.

Numbers that matter

4 AK-47 assault rifles planned to be smuggled into the UK.
900 rounds of ammunition intended for use in the attack.
6,500 people attended a previous Jewish gathering in January 2023, which was a potential target.
£74,000 buried by Saadaoui for his family in preparation for his planned attack.
2 men found guilty of preparing acts of terrorism.

Definitions and jargon buster

AK-47: A type of assault rifle known for its reliability and widespread use in conflicts around the world.
Islamic State (IS): A militant group that has claimed responsibility for numerous terrorist attacks worldwide and promotes a radical interpretation of Islam.
Undercover operative: A law enforcement agent who infiltrates criminal organisations to gather evidence without revealing their identity.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, there may be increased police presence at public events, especially those involving Jewish communities. Authorities will likely continue monitoring for any potential threats.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Longer-term, the focus will shift to community cohesion and efforts to combat radicalisation. There may also be discussions about legislative changes to enhance counter-terrorism measures.

Signals to watch

Increased police activity and community outreach efforts.
Legislative proposals related to firearms and terrorism prevention.
Reports on hate crimes and public safety in vulnerable communities.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about local safety measures and community alerts.
Report any suspicious activity to authorities promptly.
Engage with community safety initiatives and support networks.

Don’t

Do not ignore signs of radicalisation or hate speech in your community.
Avoid sharing unverified information about potential threats.
Do not engage with extremist ideologies or groups.

Checklist

Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places.
Know the emergency procedures for your local community.
Participate in community safety meetings or discussions.
Maintain communication with family about safety plans.
Follow local news for updates on public safety and events.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the immediate threat from Saadaoui and Hussein has been neutralised, the underlying issues of radicalisation and anti-Semitism remain. There is a risk that other individuals may attempt similar plots, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance and community cohesion. The effectiveness of counter-terrorism strategies will continue to be scrutinised in light of these events.

Bottom line

The thwarted plot by Saadaoui and Hussein underscores the ongoing risk of terrorism in the UK, particularly against vulnerable communities. Authorities will need to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding public safety while addressing the root causes of radicalisation.

FAQs

What was the main objective of the planned attack in Greater Manchester?

The main objective was to carry out a mass shooting targeting Jewish individuals during a gathering, aiming for maximum casualties.

Who was the undercover operative involved in the case?

The undercover operative, known as Farouk, posed as a supporter of Islamic State and was crucial in gathering evidence against the suspects.

What has been the outcome of the trial?

Walid Saadaoui and Amar Hussein have been found guilty of preparing acts of terrorism, while Bilel Saadaoui was convicted of failing to disclose information about the plot.