2024–2025 Greater Manchester Islamic State-inspired antisemitic massacre terror plot
2024–2025 Greater Manchester Islamic State-inspired antisemitic massacre terror plot
Planned Islamic State–inspired antisemitic terror plot in Greater Manchester, described as potentially one of the largest in UK history.
The 'planned Islamic State–inspired antisemitic terror plot in Greater Manchester, United Kingdom' was a foiled terrorist conspiracy uncovered by British counter-terrorism authorities between 2023 and 2024. Prosecutors stated that the plot, motivated by extremist Islamist ideology and antisemitism, involved plans to acquire automatic firearms for a mass-casualty attack targeting Jewish communities and could have resulted in one of the deadliest attacks in the United Kingdom had it not been disrupted.[1][2][3]
Contents
Background
British investigators reported that the perpetrators had adopted ideological views associated with the terrorist organization Islamic State (ISIS) and expressed intense hostility toward Jewish people. The main instigator, Walid Saadaoui, communicated with an undercover operative, boasting in messages of his desire to "kill as many as possible" and to "run rivers of their impure blood," specifying Jews as the primary target with any Christians killed being "a bonus."[2][4] Additional statements included claims that "Terrorism is our religion" and pride in terrorism.[3] The investigation took place amid a broader rise in antisemitic threats and Islamist-inspired terrorism targeting Jewish communities in Europe and other Western countries.[1]
The Plot
According to court proceedings, the suspects planned a mass-casualty gun attack targeting Jewish civilians, including infiltration of a public march against antisemitism in Manchester city centre. They conducted reconnaissance on Jewish areas in north Manchester, including nurseries, schools, synagogues, and shops. Authorities stated that the conspirators sought to smuggle automatic firearms (including AK-47s) and ammunition into the UK and intended to carry out a marauding suicide-style attack. The plot was disrupted in an undercover counter-terrorism operation in May 2024.[1][2]
Arrests and Convictions
In December 2025, a Preston Crown Court convicted Walid Saadaoui (age 38) and Amar Hussein (age 52) of preparing acts of terrorism. A third individual, Walid's brother Bilel Saadaoui (age 36), was convicted of failing to disclose information relating to terrorist activity. Prosecutors emphasized that the plot was ideologically motivated and specifically targeted members of the Jewish community, with Saadaoui expressing an "overwhelming urge" to kill and a desire to maximize casualties.[1][2][3]
Assistant Chief Constable Robert Potts of Counter Terrorism Policing North West stated that the planned attack was driven by hatred and intolerance and could have caused devastating loss of life had it succeeded, potentially becoming one of the deadliest in UK history.[1]
Response
Jewish organizations and security advocates welcomed the convictions while warning that the threat of antisemitic terrorism remains persistent. The Anti-Defamation League called for continued vigilance by governments and law enforcement agencies to protect Jewish communities worldwide.[1]
Broader Context
British intelligence officials have reported that Islamist extremist organizations, including ISIS and al-Qaeda affiliates, have intensified efforts to inspire attacks in Western countries. MI5 has stated that numerous advanced-stage terror plots have been disrupted since 2020, many involving antisemitic motivations.[1]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 "2 Men Found Guilty in UK of Plotting Islamic State-Inspired Antisemitic Terror Attack", JTA via Washington Jewish Week, 2025-12-24.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "'I want to kill as many as possible': ISIS fanatic's texts as he plotted UK's 'worst terror attack'", Daily Mail, 2025-12-23.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Daniel Greenfield (2025-12-24). Muslim Terror Plot UK: “I Break My Thirst With Jewish, Christian Blood”. FrontPage Magazine.
- ↑ Amir Mizroch (2025-12-24). We start with the Jews and if there any Christians caught in the act, that is a bonus... We must run rivers of their impure blood..
