How an undercover cop foiled an IS plot to massacre Britain’s Jews

In this episode, The Guardian reveals the disturbing details of a thwarted terror plot involving two Tunisian brothers, Waleed and Bilal Zadawi, who sought to carry out a massacre of Jews in Manchester. Initially perceived as ordinary citizens—Waleed a hotel entertainer and Bilal a shop worker—the investigation unveils their radicalization and underlying extremist beliefs nurtured online and in private discussions.

As the plot unfolds in October 2023, following heightened tensions globally, Waleed becomes increasingly obsessed with enacting revenge against Jewish targets and ultimately formulates a plan to attack a march against anti-Semitism with semi-automatic weapons. Throughout the planning, they utilized Facebook groups to gather intelligence on potential targets within the Jewish community in Manchester.

The operation became more complex with the involvement of Ammar Hussain, a Kurdish man whose radical inclinations were more pronounced. The group constructed a detailed scheme including reconnaissance missions to identify locations such as synagogues and schools.

However, their plot was disrupted when an undercover police operative, referred to as Farouk, infiltrated their group. Farouk gained Waleed's trust and eventually arranged a meeting at a hotel where Waleed believed he would receive a significant cache of weapons. This façade led to his arrest, culminating in a significant legal case that revealed the extent and seriousness of their intentions.

The episode culminates with the sentencing of Waleed, Bilal, and Ammar for their conspiracy, emphasizing the risks posed by sleeper cells and radicalized individuals, and the police’s challenging role in preventing potential acts of terror.