Men who planned terrorist attack on Jews convicted in Britain

On Friday, a British court sent two men to prison who, according to prosecutors, planned an attack inspired by the terrorist organization Islamic State on the Jewish community in England.

According to investigators, Walid Saadaoui (38) and Amar Hussein (52) were preparing a mass shooting in Manchester and wanted to kill as many Jews as possible with automatic weapons.

Judge Mark Wall described the plan as one of the most potentially bloody terrorist attacks on British soil. According to the court, Saadaoui obtained two assault rifles, an automatic pistol, and nearly 200 rounds of ammunition, which he attempted to smuggle into Britain via the port of Dover. He planned to obtain additional weapons and at least 900 rounds of ammunition.

The authorities uncovered the plan thanks to an undercover agent who posed as a weapons supplier. The judge said the defendants were "very close" to carrying out the attack.

Saadaoui must serve at least 37 years and Hussein at least 26 years before they can apply for parole. Saadaoui's brother Bilel received six years for failing to report information about terrorism.

(reuters, lud)