Two men, Walid Saadaoui and Amar Hussein, have received lengthy prison sentences for planning a catastrophic terror attack targeting the Jewish community in Manchester. The jury at Preston Crown Court found them guilty of conspiracy to commit murder after discovering their intentions to use assault rifles and handguns in a planned gun attack. The attack was described by police as potentially the deadliest assault against Jewish individuals in the UK, reflecting a troubling trend of anti-Semitic violence fueled by extremist ideologies.

As stated during the proceedings, Saadaoui and Hussein had purchased weapons and ammunition to carry out their attack, demonstrating a premeditated effort to inflict maximum harm. The men were particularly motivated by their extremist beliefs, as they not only aimed to attack Jewish targets but also considered any Christian victims as 'a bonus,' highlighting their commitment to spreading terror indiscriminately. In addition to the two main conspirators, another individual, Bilel Saddaoui, was also convicted for not reporting their plans to authorities, indicating a network that could have supported the execution of their sinister objectives.

This case underscores the persistent threat of domestic terrorism in the UK, particularly against minority communities. The sentences handed down—37 years for Saadaoui and 26 years for Hussein—serve as a reminder of the seriousness with which authorities are treating such threats. With the rise in hate crimes and extremist violence, Greater Manchester Police and other agencies are likely to intensify efforts to prevent similar incidents and ensure the safety of all communities.