Key Takeaways:
- Two Islamic State extremists, Walid Saadaoui and Amar Hussein, have been found guilty of plotting a deadly gun attack on Manchester’s Jewish community.
- The planned attack would have resulted in "the deadliest terrorist attack in UK history" and would have had "catastrophic" consequences.
- Saadaoui and Hussein bought assault rifles, handguns, and ammunition for the attack, which was planned as a revenge for Israeli attacks on Gaza.
- The plot was foiled by an undercover sting operation, and the two men were caught "red-handed" as they took delivery of the first shipment of weapons.
- The investigation, codenamed Operation Catogenic, was the "largest scale and most complex covert counter-terrorism investigation ever conducted in the North West".
Introduction to the Plot
The conviction of Walid Saadaoui and Amar Hussein marks the end of a long and complex investigation into a plot to carry out a deadly gun attack on Manchester’s Jewish community. The two men, who were found guilty by a jury at Preston Crown Court, had planned to use assault rifles, handguns, and ammunition to carry out the attack, which would have resulted in "the deadliest terrorist attack in UK history". The plot was motivated by a desire for revenge for Israeli attacks on Gaza, and the two men saw any Christian victims as "a bonus".
The Mastermind Behind the Plot
Walid Saadaoui, a 38-year-old former owner of an Italian restaurant in a Norfolk seaside town, was the mastermind behind the plot. He had a history of extremism and had previously posted statements from ISIS on Facebook. Saadaoui had also been in contact with an extremist called Hamid al Masalkhi from Cardiff, who had left Britain to join ISIS in 2013 but later died from cancer. Saadaoui’s brother, Bilel, was also found guilty of failing to disclose information about the pair’s terror plans. The investigation into Saadaoui’s activities began in November 2023, after he started posting material on Facebook supporting ISIS. He was identified as a potential threat and was put under surveillance, which revealed his plans to carry out a terrorist attack.
The Investigation and Surveillance
The investigation into Saadaoui’s activities was codenamed Operation Catogenic and was described by police as the "largest scale and most complex covert counter-terrorism investigation ever conducted in the North West". The investigation involved MI5 and Counter-Terrorism Police, who worked together to gather evidence and build a case against Saadaoui and his co-conspirators. The surveillance operation involved an undercover officer, known as "Farouk", who posed as a friend of Saadaoui’s and gained his trust. Farouk was able to gather evidence of Saadaoui’s plans, including his desire to obtain firearms and his intention to carry out a terrorist attack. The investigation also revealed that Saadaoui had been using a series of fake Facebook accounts to communicate with his co-conspirators and to spread extremist ideology.
The Plot Unfolds
As the investigation continued, Saadaoui’s plans became clearer. He had planned to recruit two others to join him in the attack, and had identified Jewish targets in Manchester, including schools, synagogues, and community centers. He had also planned to dress in Jewish clothing and move from place to place on an extended shooting spree, targeting police and emergency responders as well. The plot was foiled when Saadaoui was caught "red-handed" as he took delivery of the first shipment of weapons, which had been supplied and deactivated by police. The undercover operation involved Saadaoui meeting Farouk at various locations, including a park in Bolton and a nature reserve in Dover, where they discussed their plans and made arrangements for the attack.
The Consequences of the Plot
The consequences of the plot, if it had been successful, would have been catastrophic. The attack would have resulted in a large number of deaths and injuries, and would have had a significant impact on the Jewish community in Manchester. The attack would have also had a wider impact on the community, causing fear and anxiety among the general public. The investigation and conviction of Saadaoui and his co-conspirators serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need for communities to work together to prevent terrorism. The plot also highlights the importance of social media companies taking action to prevent the spread of extremist ideology and to identify potential threats.
The Response to the Plot
The response to the plot was led by Greater Manchester Police and MI5, who worked together to gather evidence and build a case against Saadaoui and his co-conspirators. The investigation was complex and involved a large number of officers and agencies. The conviction of Saadaoui and his co-conspirators is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the officers involved in the investigation. The response to the plot also highlights the importance of community policing and the need for communities to work together to prevent terrorism. The police and other agencies worked closely with the Jewish community in Manchester to provide reassurance and support, and to gather intelligence and information about potential threats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the plot to carry out a deadly gun attack on Manchester’s Jewish community was a serious and complex threat that was foiled by a large-scale and complex investigation. The conviction of Walid Saadaoui and Amar Hussein serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need for communities to work together to prevent terrorism. The investigation and conviction of Saadaoui and his co-conspirators also highlights the importance of social media companies taking action to prevent the spread of extremist ideology and to identify potential threats. The response to the plot was led by Greater Manchester Police and MI5, who worked together to gather evidence and build a case against Saadaoui and his co-conspirators. The conviction of Saadaoui and his co-conspirators is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the officers involved in the investigation.
