Two men charged with plotting chlorine bomb attack on Manchester Jewish community
Salam Ahmadyan and Rahman Salehi were arrested in Manchester and charged with preparing a terrorist attack on the local Jewish community, allegedly involving a chlorine bomb.
Counter Terrorism Policing arrested Salam Ahmadyan of Liverpool and Rahman Salehi of Salford in Manchester on September 20 and subsequently charged them with preparing terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. Investigators allege the pair communicated with an overseas contact, potentially located in Iran, to obtain instructions for constructing a chlorine bomb and to acquire the necessary chemicals, components and equipment.
They are also accused of using the internet to scout potential targets, gathering images, maps and conducting reconnaissance of likely attack sites. Police searches targeted addresses on Epworth Street in Liverpool and Lancaster Road in Salford. Both suspects, who arrived in the UK via small boats in 2020 and 2023 and hold asylum or pending asylum status, have been remanded in custody and will appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Authorities stress there is no ongoing public threat but urge vigilance.
How this was covered
- Coverage peaked at 11 outlets in a single hour
Why it matters
The case highlights ongoing terrorist threats to UK Jewish communities and raises concerns about foreign-linked extremist plots.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTAll camps report the charges and alleged plot, but left-leaning coverage stresses Iranian regime involvement, center coverage presents a neutral factual account, and right-leaning coverage highlights the suspects' illegal entry as migrants.
LEFT
Frames the case as a foreign-state-linked extremist threat, emphasizing the Iranian regime’s role and broader security risks.
CENTER
Frames the story as a straightforward terrorism charge with no ongoing public danger, focusing on procedural details.
RIGHT
Frames the incident as a terrorism plot carried out by illegal “small-boat” migrants, underscoring the illegal entry and timing with Yom Kippur.
The left emphasises
- the Iranian regime frequently employs proxies and criminal networks to target Jewish groups
- broader risk presented by terrorists and the Iranian regime to UK security
- no ongoing public threat linked to the case
The right emphasises
- entered the UK illegally via small-boat migrant smuggling
- plot coincides with Yom Kippur and the anniversary of a previous synagogue attack
- charges are extremely serious
How this story developed
- Sep 27 Police arrest men at RAF Fairford after suspicious vehicle activity
- Sep 28 Police declared a major incident and set up a 400‑metre exclusion zone around the base.
- Sep 28 The five suspects were released on police bail.
- Sep 29 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a foreign actor was involved in a thwarted terror plot near RAF Fairford, while five suspects were released on bail.
- Oct 2 A 28-year-old man has been charged with planning terrorist attacks, including one aimed at Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, according to the UK’s counter-terrorism unit.
- Oct 3 The suspect has now been named and formally charged with terrorism preparation.
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