Manchester, December 27, 2025 (Agencies) – Three men of foreign origin have been convicted over a foiled terrorist plot targeting Jewish sites in Greater Manchester after an undercover counterterrorism operation disrupted what police described as one of the most serious threats faced by the United Kingdom in recent years.
Brothers Walid Saadaoui, 38, and Bilel Saadaoui, 36, both of Tunisian origin, along with Amar Hussein, 52, a Syrian national, were found guilty at Preston Crown Court on Tuesday. Walid Saadaoui and Hussein were convicted of preparation of terrorist acts under the Terrorism Act 2006, while Bilel Saadaoui was convicted of failing to disclose information relating to an act of terrorism. All three are due to be sentenced on February 13, 2026.
Prosecutors told the court that Walid Saadaoui believed he was communicating with a like-minded extremist willing to help him import automatic weapons into the UK. In reality, he was in contact with an undercover operative known as “Farouk,” who spent several months embedded in the plot. Evidence showed Saadaoui discussed plans to attack Jewish people, carried out reconnaissance in Salford, and travelled to Dover believing weapons could be smuggled through the port.
Hussein, who prosecutors said is of Syrian origin and claimed to have prior military experience, later joined the conspiracy and met the undercover officer to discuss logistics for the planned attack. Walid’s brother, Bilel Saadaoui, was aware of the plot but failed to alert authorities.
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts of Counter Terrorism Policing North West said the case represented one of the most significant terrorist plot disruptions in the UK for several years. He warned that the planned attack, driven by antisemitism and hatred, could have resulted in one of the deadliest terrorist incidents on British soil had it not been stopped in time. He also highlighted the considerable risks faced by the undercover officer during the operation.
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said the offenders’ actions were motivated by antisemitism and praised the joint efforts of security agencies that prevented the attack. He stressed that an attack on the Jewish community would have been an attack on society as a whole, reaffirming police commitment to protecting all communities from terrorism and hate-driven violence.