Two men have been given life sentences and a third jailed for their parts in a foiled terrorist plot intended to target the Jewish community in Greater Manchester.
Earlier today (Friday 13 February 2026), the following sentences were passed at Preston Crown Court:
- Walid Saadaoui (06/06/1987), of Crankwood Road, Abram was sentenced to life imprisonment. He will serve a minimum term of 37 years.
- Amar Hussain (25/05/1973), of no fixed address was sentenced to life imprisonment. He will serve a minimum term of 26 years.
- Bilel Saadaoui (01/01/1989), of Fairclough Street, Hindley was sentenced to six years in prison and an extra year to be served in the community.
The sentences follow guilty verdicts returned in December 2026 which saw Walid Saadaoui and Amar Hussein convicted of preparation of terrorist acts, contrary to section 5(1)(b) of the Terrorism Act 2006. Bilel Saadaoui was found guilty of failure to disclose information about an act of terrorism
In late 2023, Walid Saadaoui came into online contact with a man he believed shared extremist views like his own. The pair frequently exchanged messages and it soon became clear that Saadaoui was keen to conduct a significant terrorist attack targeting Jewish people.
However, unbeknownst to him, Saadaoui was actually in contact with an undercover operative – later identified in court proceedings as “Farouk” to protect his identity.
Saadaoui would later introduce Farouk to Amar Hussein, an individual considered to be like-minded and looking to be involved with the plot. The two would-be terrorists believed that Farouk could import automatic firearms from abroad which could be used in an attack.
Over the coming months, the two developed their plans and between them conducted reconnaissance around Upper Broughton in Salford, as well as visited the Port of Dover to observe the border they believed the illegal firearms would be transported through.
Throughout the course of the undercover operation, it became clear that Walid had discussed his plans with his brother, Bilel Saadaoui. He openly discussed his brother’s awareness of the plot with Farouk and later confessed that he had done so during cross examination, despite initially denying it when questioned.
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts, who holds responsibility for counter terrorism policing in the north west, said:
“Today’s sentencing brings a conclusion to one of the most significant terrorist plot disruptions we have seen in the UK for several years.
“Walid Saadaoui and Amar Hussein intended to target members of the Jewish community in an evil act born out of hate and intolerance.
“If they had been successful, then what followed would have been devastating and potentially one of the deadliest terrorist attacks to ever take place on UK soil.
“Walid was the ringleader. Through conversations with an undercover operative, we know – in detail – the extremist views that he held. He was the driving force behind the plot and he recruited Hussein to join him.
“He claimed during the trial that he was merely paying lip service and actually intended to sabotage his own plot at the last minute. This account is far from the truth.
“In Hussein he found a like-minded individual who did not need to be convinced to join. Hussein spoke openly to detectives following his arrest about his support of ISIS and cast judgement on others who did not hold the same extremist views as him
“Walid also discussed the plot and the action he had been taking openly with his brother, Bilel.
“Although Bilel was not an active participant in preparations for the plot, the fact he knew what was planned but chose to remain silent makes him as guilty as the others. Being aware of a plan to cause such devastation and knowing that you could act to prevent it, but choosing not to, is simply not good enough.
“Our overwhelming priority during this proactive operation was ensuring public safety and we never lost sight of that. Each decision we made was rooted in this principle and the operation was highly controlled and resourced throughout.
“It was important for us to build the strongest possible case to take these dangerous men off the streets for a significant period of time and protect the public from them long-term. As evidenced by the sentences passed today, we have achieved that.
“I want to thank all those involved in this operation. We’ve worked with colleagues across CT and local policing, partner agencies and community organisations. The scale of the operation has been huge, and we would not be here today without erverybody’s efforts.
“I’d also like to express my sincere gratitude to the undercover operative who put himself in significant danger each time he met with two would-be terrorists. At any point he could have become a target himself, but he risked his personal safety in the name of wider public protection.
“This case has taken place at a time of heightened concern and anxiety within the Jewish community. The trial began the week after the appalling terrorist attack that took place in Greater Manchester and concluded soon after the Bondi Beach attack in Sydney.
“We have worked closely with stakeholders, including the Community Security Trust, throughout proceedings to address any concerns and provide reassurance.
“We will continue to do so and we remain dedicated to making sure all communities feel safe from the threat of terrorism and bringing those who would seek to harm them to justice.
“I hope that the significant outcome from this highly resourced, proactive investigation underlines that commitment.”