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British prosecutors say two men plotted a large-scale, Islamic State–inspired attack against the Jewish community in northwest England, aiming to “kill hundreds of innocent people.” The case opened at Preston Crown Court this week.
Prosecutors charged Walid Saadaoui, 38, and Amar Hussein, 52, with preparing terrorist acts. They also charged Bilel Saadaoui, 36, with failing to disclose information about terrorism. All three pleaded not guilty.
Judge Mark Wall told jurors the case does not relate to last week’s Yom Kippur attack outside a Manchester synagogue, emphasizing that the overlap in timing is coincidental.
Arms Procurement and Martyrdom Ideology
Prosecutor Harpreet Sandhu said the two main defendants “embraced the views of the so-called Islamic State… (and) were prepared to risk their own lives” to die as martyrs.
According to Sandhu, Walid Saadaoui arranged for two assault rifles, an automatic pistol, and ammunition to be smuggled into Britain. Police arrested him in May 2024 as he awaited three additional firearms and more ammunition.
Sandhu said the rifles resembled those used in the 2015 Paris attacks, which killed 130 people, and were “capable of causing untold harm.” He added, “Untold harm was precisely what Walid Saadaoui had planned to cause, together with the defendant Amar Hussein.” At that moment, Hussein shouted from the dock: “How many babies?”
Target: A Mass Jewish Gathering
Prosecutors said the pair planned to “identify a mass gathering of Jewish people whom they could attack,” along with a third man they believed was named “Farouk.” In addition, “they intended to kill any law enforcement or police officers who got in their way,” Sandhu said.
“Farouk,” the man the defendants thought shared their aims, was in fact an undercover operative. His involvement led investigators to the suspects before any attack could take place.
Prosecutors did not accuse Bilel Saadaoui of joining the plot. They said he sympathized with Islamic State ideology and held funds from his brother to support the family if Walid died.
The trial is expected to last up to 12 weeks under tight security.
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