UK ‘Three Musketeers’ terror cell jailed for life

Members of a British jihadist terror cell who called themselves the “Three Musketeers” receive life sentences on Thursday for plotting an attack against police and military targets.

The gang, from the West Midlands in central England, was arrested last August after intelligence operatives went to bug one of the members’ cars, only to find a pipe bomb and meat cleaver hidden in the boot.

All three men denied preparing an attack and claim the evidence was planted by an undercover officer, who rejected the claims during 12 days of cross examination.

Judge Henry Globe in London sentenced Naweed Ali, 29, Khobaib Hussain, 25, and Mohibur Rahman, 33, to serve at least 20 years, following a trial in which the police’s undercover operations came under the spotlight.

Jurors deliberated for 22 hours before finding the men guilty of planning an attack similar to that on British soldier Lee Rigby, who was knifed to death on a London street in broad daylight in 2013.

Another defendant, Tahir Aziz, 38, was also sentenced to life after being found guilty of the same offense, and will serve a minimum of 15 years in jail.

— AFP