By Tony O’Reilly-
Sheffield, UK — Mohammed Farooq, a 27-year-old clinical support worker, is set to go on trial today at Sheffield Crown Court, facing charges related to an alleged plot to launch terrorist attacks on an RAF base in Harrogate and a hospital in Leeds.
Farooq has been charged with “engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts” and “possessing an explosive substance with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury to property.”
On Monday, as his trial commenced, he denied the former charges but pleaded guilty to possessing an explosive substance in suspicious circumstances.
The substance in question was described as “an improvised explosive device manufactured from a pressure cooker” and approximately 9.9kg of a low explosive mixture, along with an additional 3.8kg of a low explosive mixture.
Pyrotechnic fuses were also found in his possession. Farooq also admitted to having a document that could be useful to someone preparing an act of terrorism, which included notes on the manufacture of toxic substances. He further admitted to possessing an imitation firearm.
Farooq continues to deny his engagement in the preparation of terrorist acts. The charge alleges that he was involved in activities related to the “manufacturing or assembling of an improvised explosive device” between July 12, 2021, and January 21, 2023.
Recent incidents in the UK include the tragic death of MP David Amess, who was brutally attacked in his constituency in October 2021, and the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, which killed 22 people and injured many more.
The trial for Mohammed Farooq is expected to offer insights into the extent of the alleged plot to target RAF Menwith Hill in Harrogate and St. James’s Hospital in Leeds.