How extremists planning terror attack on Manchester's Jewish community were stopped

Key Concepts

• Terrorism Plot: A planned attack targeting the Jewish community in Manchester, UK, inspired by the 2015 Paris attacks.
• Undercover Operation: A counterterrorism operation utilizing an undercover police officer to infiltrate and disrupt the plot.
• Islamist Extremism: The ideological motivation behind the planned attack, specifically support for ISIS and the implementation of Sharia law.
• Anti-Semitism: The underlying hatred driving the targeting of the Jewish community.
• Sting Operation: A law enforcement tactic involving deception to apprehend individuals engaged in criminal activity.

Foiled Terror Attack in Manchester: A Detailed Account

This report details the disruption of a planned terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community in North Manchester, UK. The operation, conducted by armed police, involved the arrest of Wed Sadawi while attempting to collect firearms. The weapons, supplied by police as part of a sting operation, were loaded with blanks, preventing any actual harm.

The Plot and Perpetrators

Wed Sadawi, a former restaurant owner, and Amar Hussein, an Iraqi ex-soldier, were convicted of conspiring to carry out the attack. Their plot was directly inspired by the November 2015 Paris terror attacks, which resulted in 130 fatalities. Hussein explicitly expressed support for ISIS during police questioning, stating, “They are the all Muslims they are hypocrite. But the ISIS they are real Muslim. They make Sharia.” This demonstrates the ideological foundation of the plot – a radical interpretation of Islam and a desire to implement Sharia law.

Sadawi financed the operation through the sale of his house, transferring over £4,000 for the procurement of weapons. Intelligence services identified Sadawi’s activity through his regular posting of ISIS propaganda on Facebook, leading to the deployment of an undercover police officer.

Operational Details: The Sting

The counterterrorism operation centered around an undercover operative, identified as Bilal, who befriended Sadawi. During a surveillance trip, Sadawi detailed his plan to infiltrate the Jewish community by disguising himself in Jewish clothing before initiating a mass shooting. The intended targets extended beyond the Jewish community to include police and emergency responders.

As stated by authorities, the weapons sought – AK-47s – are “automatic highc caliber…capable of firing multiple shots very very quickly.” The potential for devastation, as highlighted, was comparable to the attack on the Bataclan theatre in Paris, where “tens if not hundreds of people could have been hurt or killed.”

Sadawi’s Response to Arrest & Complicity

Upon his arrest, Sadawi maintained a claim of innocence, stating, “Like I said to you before, whether he's undercover or not, I was not expecting any guns to come over. I was not involved in any planning of harming people.” This denial occurred despite clear evidence of his involvement in planning and financing the attack. He was formally arrested on suspicion of terrorism, specifically “being concerned in the commission preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.”

Related Charges & Context of Rising Anti-Semitism

Wed Sadawi’s brother, Bilao, was also sentenced for failing to disclose knowledge of the plot. He had been entrusted with a copy of Wed’s will and a key to a safe containing funds intended for his brother’s family, indicating awareness of the planned operation.

The attack was framed within the context of rising anti-Semitism, with the report noting that North Manchester had experienced a previous terror attack targeting a synagogue. The perpetrators were described as being motivated by “the same hatred” and “prepared to stop at nothing, hoping to become martyrs.” The report emphasizes the gravity of the situation, stating, “Examples, as is the case in this particular trial of people hellbent on murdering people simply because they are Jewish.”

Conclusion

The successful disruption of this terror plot represents a significant victory for counterterrorism efforts. The operation highlights the importance of intelligence gathering, proactive policing, and the use of undercover operations to prevent attacks. The case also underscores the ongoing threat of Islamist extremism and the alarming rise of anti-Semitism, necessitating continued vigilance and robust security measures.