Manchester Terror Plot Thwarted
Iranian Nationals Charged With Alleged Terror Plot Targeting Manchester's Jewish Community
Anonymous
Key Points
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The arrests took place on Newton Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter on September 20; police then carried out searches at a hostel on Lancaster Road in Salford and a flat in Liverpool.
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The defendants were remanded in custody and are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on October 3.
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Counter Terrorism Policing coordinator Vicki Evans said the announcement came amid concern in the Jewish community during the High Holy Days and coincided with the anniversary of the previous year’s attack at Heaton Park synagogue.
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Evans said the Manchester case was not connected to the investigation into the RAF Fairford incident, while describing that incident as part of wider concerns about threats projected into the UK from Iran.
Two Iranian nationals have been charged in the UK with preparing terrorist acts targeting Manchester's Jewish community around Yom Kippur. PBS reported that Salam Ahmadyan and Rahman Salehi allegedly scouted a synagogue for a chlorine bomb plot. Counter Terrorism Policing said the men were in contact with an overseas third party, possibly in Iran, and that the investigation disrupted the suspected threat.
The defendants, arrested on September 20 in Manchester's Northern Quarter, are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on October 3. Greenwich Time noted both men are from Liverpool and Salford. Police say they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public, though the charges come amid heightened concerns during the Jewish High Holy Days.
Arrests Linked to Manchester Synagogue Surveillance
Police arrested both men on September 20 after discovering they had allegedly scouted Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue in Greater Manchester. Hindustan Times reported that prosecutors revealed the men were planning a chlorine bomb attack. Searches were carried out at a hostel on Lancaster Road in Salford and a flat in Liverpool following the arrests.
The alleged plot targeted the Jewish community during Yom Kippur, one of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar. Counter Terrorism Policing coordinator Vicki Evans said the timing of the announcement reflected heightened concern in the Jewish community during the High Holy Days and came near the anniversary of a previous attack at the same synagogue.
Iranian Connection Under Investigation
Counter Terrorism Policing said the two men were allegedly in contact with an overseas third party who may be located in Iran. PBS noted this suggests a direct link to foreign coordination. The investigation revealed evidence of remote planning and direction from abroad before police moved to make the arrests.
Vicki Evans stated the Manchester investigation is separate from the RAF Fairford terror plot currently under investigation. However, she described both cases as part of wider concerns about threats directed into the UK from Iran. NY Post reported that the RAF Fairford case involved multiple suspects in custody.
Legal Process and Remand Status
Both defendants were remanded in custody following their September arrests. Their first court appearance is scheduled for October 3 at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London. The charges allege preparation for terrorist acts and assisting another to commit them, though the defendants are entitled to a fair trial.
Police emphasized that the charges remain allegations at this stage. Counter Terrorism Policing stated it does not believe there is an ongoing public threat following the disruption of the suspected plot. The investigation has concluded the immediate danger has been contained through the arrests and subsequent security measures.
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