What's happened
Two men, Walid Saadaoui and Amar Hussein, were convicted of planning a terrorist attack targeting Jews in Greater Manchester. Their scheme involved smuggling weapons and launching shootings at an antisemitism march. The plot was disrupted after an undercover operation exposed their plans. The case highlights ongoing threats from ISIS-inspired extremists in the UK.
What's behind the headline?
The conviction of Saadaoui and Hussein reveals the enduring danger posed by ISIS-inspired extremists in the UK. Their detailed surveillance and intent to execute a mass shooting demonstrate that, even with diminished territorial control, ISIS's ideological influence persists through lone-wolf and small-cell plots. The case also exposes the effectiveness of undercover operations in thwarting such attacks, highlighting the importance of intelligence and community vigilance. The broader context shows that radicalization continues to be fueled by online propaganda and regional conflicts, making prevention increasingly complex. This incident will likely intensify security measures around Jewish and other vulnerable communities, but it also underscores the need for ongoing community engagement and counter-radicalization efforts to prevent future plots.
What the papers say
The Japan Times reports that police and prosecutors described Saadaoui and Hussein as Islamic extremists with plans to kill as many Jews as possible, potentially leading to one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in UK history. The Guardian emphasizes the community's resilience, noting that despite the threat, local residents and organizations remain committed to coexistence and vigilance. The Independent highlights the detailed planning and the role of undercover operatives in exposing the plot, with Saadaoui expressing a desire to sabotage his own plans. Reuters and the New York Times provide additional context on ISIS's global presence and its continued influence through propaganda and regional affiliates, despite territorial losses. The NYT also notes the recent travel of suspects to the Philippines, where ISIS maintains an active presence, illustrating the group's ongoing international reach.
How we got here
The plot was uncovered amid heightened concerns about Islamist extremism in the UK. Saadaoui and Hussein, both motivated by ISIS ideology, aimed to carry out a mass shooting targeting Jewish communities, with plans to attack a march and other sites. Their activities included surveillance and attempts to smuggle weapons from Europe and the Middle East. The case underscores persistent threats from ISIS affiliates and sympathisers, despite the group's territorial losses in Iraq and Syria.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Are ISIS Attacks Still Happening Worldwide in 2025?
Despite losing territory in Iraq and Syria, ISIS remains a significant threat globally. Recent attacks in countries like Australia, the UK, and Poland show that ISIS-inspired violence continues through propaganda and lone-wolf attacks. Many wonder how these threats are evolving and what risks still exist today. Below, we answer common questions about ISIS's current activities and the global security situation in 2025.
-
What Do We Know About the UK Terror Plot Foiled in December 2025?
Recently, UK authorities uncovered a serious terror plot involving plans to attack Jewish communities. This has raised questions about how the plot was stopped, who was involved, and what it means for UK security. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about this significant counterterrorism operation and what it reveals about ongoing threats in the UK.
-
What Are the Current Major Terrorism Threats Worldwide in 2025?
Terrorism remains a significant concern across the globe in 2025, with threats evolving in complexity and scale. Recent arrests and foiled plots highlight the persistent danger posed by extremist groups inspired by ISIS and other radical ideologies. Understanding these threats helps us stay informed and prepared. Below, we explore the key questions about today's terrorism landscape, how countries are responding, and what makes these threats so challenging to counter.
More on these topics
-
An Islamic state is a state that has a form of government based on Islamic law. As a term, it has been used to describe various historical polities and theories of governance in the Islamic world.
-
Sydney is the state capital of New South Wales and the most populous city in Australia and Oceania. Located on Australia's east coast, the metropolis surrounds Port Jackson and extends about 70 km on its periphery towards the Blue Mountains to the west, H
-
Abdelhamid Abaaoud was a Belgian-Moroccan Islamic militant who had spent time in Syria. He was suspected of having organized multiple terror attacks in Belgium and France, and is known to have masterminded the November 2015 Paris attacks.