Iranian Men Accused of Plotting Yom Kippur Bomb Attack in Manchester

Two Iranian men who arrived in the United Kingdom on small boats have been accused of plotting to carry out a bomb attack on Jewish targets in Manchester, a court heard.

Salam Ahmadyan, 36, and Rahman Salehi, 34, were arrested on September 20 and charged with engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts. Counter Terrorism Policing stated the men were allegedly in contact with an overseas third party, possibly in Iran, concerning the plot. They are accused of receiving instructions to construct a chlorine bomb and acquiring necessary components and equipment for an improvised explosive device.

Prosecutors allege the men used the internet to identify and research potential targets, acquiring images, plans, and maps. They also allegedly conducted reconnaissance of potential attack locations, including Manchester's Jewish Museum and Heaton Park Synagogue. The court was informed that the Heaton Park Synagogue was the subject of a terror attack on Yom Kippur the previous year, which resulted in the deaths of two worshippers.

Ahmadyan and Salehi appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday. Both were remanded into custody and are scheduled to appear next at the Old Bailey on October 23. Prosecutor Mark Luckett informed the court that both defendants are accused of preparing acts of terrorism targeting the Jewish community in Manchester using a homemade explosive device and conducting hostile reconnaissance within the community.

Salehi arrived in the UK via small boat in 2020 and was granted asylum in 2023. Ahmadyan arrived by small boat in 2023 and has an outstanding asylum claim. The charges were brought less than a week after an alleged plot at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, which led to six arrests. Police have stated that the two incidents are not connected.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood commented on the arrests, stating they are a "stark reminder of the threats posed against this country." She added that the news would be distressing for Jewish communities, particularly in Manchester, marking one year since the attack at Heaton Park Synagogue. Mahmood also highlighted the suspects' arrival by small boat as a reminder of the importance of tackling illegal migration.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans of Counter Terrorism Policing stated that they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public in relation to these arrests. She acknowledged the concern the alleged plot might cause, especially during the High Holy Day period and coinciding with the anniversary of the Heaton Park Synagogue attack. She assured the public that counter-terrorism police and national security partners are using their full capabilities to protect the UK.

Greater Manchester Police's deputy chief constable Terry Woods echoed these concerns, noting the particular sensitivity given the calendar anniversary of last year's attack and the ongoing Jewish High Holy Days. He confirmed ongoing collaboration with community leaders, the Community Security Trust, and national counter-terrorism police, and assured the public of continued police visibility and engagement within Jewish communities.

The arrests occurred nearly a year after an attack on the Heaton Park Synagogue on October 2 of the previous year, during Yom Kippur. Jihad Al-Shamie, an Islamic State supporter, attempted to enter the synagogue, stabbing one worshipper. A police marksman's shot intended for the attacker fatally struck another worshipper who was assisting in barricading the doors and also injured a third individual who survived.