Terror Group Planned 'Another 9/11' Using at least Eight Rucksack Bombs

Three ringleaders of a terror plot which could have been more devastating than the July 7 attacks have been jailed.
Irfan Naseer, 31, was jailed for life and must serve at least 18 years, a judge at Woolwich Crown Court told him.

Fellow defendant Irfan Khalid was sentenced to 23 years for his part in the plot. He will serve a minimum of 12 years.

Ashik Ali, the third terror plot ringleader, was sentenced to 20 years.

Mr Justice Henriques said: "Irfan Naseer was the leader, driving force and man in charge and he alone must take responsibility for sending four young men to Pakistan for terrorism training."

Turning to Naseer, who appeared to mutter under his breath during the sentencing hearing, the judge added: "Your plot had the blessing of al Qaida and you intended to further the aims of al Qaida."

The judge, who described Naseer as a "skilful bomb-maker", said: "Clearly nothing was going to stop you, short of intervention of the authorities.

"I have no doubt you would have continued with your plan but for that intervention.

"Many deaths were planned by a determined team of individuals who were fully radicalised and you, Naseer, were their leader.

"No lack of assets, skill or manpower was going to stop you."

Police believe it was the most significant terror plot to be uncovered since the 2006 conspiracy to blow up transatlantic airliners using bombs disguised as soft drinks.

The gang, who are all from Birmingham, planned to set off up to eight rucksack bombs and possibly other devices on timers in crowded places.

They raised an estimated £39,000 for terror training and to fund the attacks.

The money was raised through street collections in Birmingham, falsely claiming they were raising money for Muslim charities.