Two men have been jailed for life after plotting an Islamic State inspired terror attack targeting Jewish communities in Greater Manchester, in what a judge described as a plan that could have been one of the deadliest attacks ever carried out on UK soil.
Walid Saadaoui, 38, and Amar Hussein, 52, were sentenced at Preston Crown Court today, Friday 13 February 2026.
Saadaoui was ordered to serve a minimum of 37 years in prison. Hussein was given a minimum term of 26 years.
Saadaoui’s younger brother, Bilel Saadaoui, 36, was sentenced to six years and 165 days after being convicted of failing to disclose information about an act of terrorism.
All three men had been convicted at the same court in December 2025 following a weeks long trial.
During sentencing, Mr Justice Mark Wall said Walid Saadaoui and Hussein intended to use AK47 Kalashnikov rifles to launch an attack on the streets of Manchester.
The court heard they planned to target a Jewish march in the city centre before hijacking an ambulance, changing into paramedic uniforms and driving to Cheetham Hill, an area with a large Jewish population. They intended to kill indiscriminately until they were killed themselves or could escape. Plans also included attacking an army base and targeting members of the armed forces.
Mr Justice Wall said the victims would have been unarmed and defenceless, and that people of all ages, including children, could have died. He told the pair they were very close to being able to carry out the plan.
Saadaoui was arrested on 8 May 2024 in the car park of the Last Drop Hotel in Bromley Cross as he attempted to take possession of firearms. The weapons were supplied as part of a covert counter terrorism operation involving an undercover officer.
The judge rejected Saadaoui’s claim that he had intended to sabotage the plot at the last moment. He said he was satisfied Saadaoui had played a leading role and had recruited Hussein, who he described as a significant participant who was to act as one of the gunmen.
Hussein refused to attend court for sentencing. The judge said he would address him as if he were present.
In relation to Bilel Saadaoui, the court heard he was aware of his brother’s plans and shared extremist material but did not take part in preparations. Mr Justice Wall said by remaining silent he risked the lives of many potential victims. He added that knowing of a plan to cause such devastation and choosing not to act was simply not good enough.
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said the case represented one of the most significant terrorist plot disruptions seen in the UK in recent years. He said the overwhelming priority throughout the operation had been public safety.
Frank Ferguson, head of the Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division at the Crown Prosecution Service, said the plot was deeply disturbing and could have led to mass murder. He said prosecutors worked closely with counter terrorism officers to build the strongest possible case.
The investigation involved a long term undercover operation which gathered detailed evidence of planning, coordination and extremist intent. The court heard the men had discussed killing police officers who might intervene.
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