A man from Lancashire who attempted to travel to Somalia to join ISIS has been jailed
Muhammad Billal aged 19 of Nelson, was sentenced to 13.5 years in prison, followed by an extended license for five years, at the Central Criminal Court in London today
Billal began preparing to carry out a terrorist attack in the UK. Over a number of months he gathered copies of terrorist publications and conducted detailed research on how he could purchase firearms and knives.
During this time, he also researched UK shooting ranges where he could practice his use of firearms and several potential target locations. It is not believed that he identified a final target but the locations researched included high footfall areas such as shopping centres, train stations, football stadia, and places of worship.
In October 2024, he was encouraged by a contact he had met online to cease plans for a UK based attack and instead travel to Somalia to join ISIS. At this point, Billal had made attempts to purchase a firearm but never gained possession of one.
Over the coming days he conducted further research on how he could enter Somalia and received advice from the individual before he was put in contact with two other people who provided guidance on travel to the country.
Billal was stopped by Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW) officers at Manchester Airport on 20 November 2024 as he attempted to board a flight and begin his journey to Somalia.
Detective Chief Superintendent Jon Chadwick, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North West, said: “The offences Muhammad Billal has been convicted of are amongst the most serious charges that can be brought against an individual.
“Our investigation into his actions has been meticulous and we have been able to gather evidence which shows a firm intent to engage in acts of terrorism.
“Although he changed his focus from committing an act of terrorism in the UK to committing offences in another country, the level of detail he researched in preparation of an attack here shows the risk he presents to the public.
“That risk is reflected in the sentence passed today, and we welcome that outcome.”
