West London Brothers Jailed Over ISIS Terror Plot
One of two brothers caught up in a Daesh terror plot has been locked up at Woolwich Crown Court. Ahmed Alsyed, 20, from west London, was sentenced to four-and-a-half years on Wednesday, 18 April. He pled guilty to terror offences including collecting information, preparing terrorist acts, and spreading extremist material.
His 18-year-old brother, Yousif Alsyed, also from west London, admitted to similar charges last January. He awaits sentencing. Three of their associates have already been handed jail terms totalling nearly seven years after pleading guilty to terrorism offences.
Plotting to Travel and Fight for Daesh
The Met’s Counter Terrorism Command launched an intelligence-led probe in spring 2016. Detectives uncovered the brothers’ plan to travel to Syria and join Daesh as fighters. Using the encrypted app Telegram, Yousif communicated under the name “Abu Ibrahim,” sharing messages about becoming “a martyr” and waiting for the “green light” to travel.
Police caught up with the pair at Heathrow Airport on 10 August 2016, where their phones revealed a trove of extremist propaganda and chats discussing travel plans to Libya or Syria. Experts linked the brothers to three other young men from across London who shared their violent aims.
Wider Network of Young Extremists Busted
- Mohammed Ali, 18, from south west London
- A 16-year-old boy from south London
- A 15-year-old boy from east London
Following their return from Egypt, the Alsyed brothers got new phones. These were seized in February 2017 alongside those of Ali and the teens, unravelling their ongoing terror communications and conspiracies.
Officers swooped on 14 February 2017, just as some planned to fly out to Istanbul. Searches at their homes uncovered passports, camping gear, and electronic devices loaded with extremist content. All five men were arrested and charged days later.
Sentences for Young Terrorists
- The 16-year-old got two years and eight months at the Old Bailey.
- Mohammed Ali received four years and two months behind bars.
- The 15-year-old faced a 12-month Intensive Referral Order with curfew, rehab and community work, avoiding a jail term.
Commander Clarke Jarrett, heading the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said:
“The Alsyed brothers clearly intended to join Daesh and fight for them. They trained here – at a paintballing camp and a gym – and shared horrific videos glorifying the terrorist group. Thankfully, our investigation stopped them before they could leave.”
He urged the public to report any suspicious behaviour or radical messages. Suspicious activity can be reported confidentially at www.gov.uk/act or by calling 0800 789 321.
