British-Pakistani national Mohammad Basir was sentenced today, Thursday 23 July 2026, to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 17 years for plotting a terrorist attack on the UK Ministry of Defence’s Defence Academy in Shrivenham.
Joint Plot with Manchester Synagogue Attacker
Basir conspired with Jihad al-Sami—the perpetrator of last October’s attack on a Manchester synagogue—to carry out the planned assault. In August 2025, Basir drove al-Sami to the Defence Academy campus in Shrivenham, west of London, for a reconnaissance visit.
The Target: A Key Security Institution
The Defence Academy of the United Kingdom trains military personnel, government officials, and defence industry representatives in security and defence matters. According to Judge Bobby Chimba-Grubb, the attackers intended to strike the academy using tactics similar to those employed by al-Sami in the Manchester synagogue attack.
Advanced Planning, Foiled Before Execution
The plot had reached an advanced stage—only the procurement of weapons remained before execution, the judge noted. She described Basir as a ‘dedicated jihadist’ and stated that both men were prepared ‘to kill or be killed’. The plan was ultimately thwarted by authorities.
Extremist Network and Online Activity
Basir had joined an extremist group formed by al-Sami via a messaging app. The group comprised 12 members. Over six months, Basir sent more than 2,000 messages—many advocating violence in the name of jihad, calling for assaults, and inciting murder.