Terrorist Who Plotted Army Centre Bomb Attack Set for Early Release
A British terrorist who planned an al Qaida-inspired attack on a Territorial Army centre has been approved for release from prison by the Parole Board. Zahid Iqbal, who discussed using a remote-controlled toy car to deliver a homemade bomb, will be freed three years earlier than his maximum sentence.
Details of the Terror Plot
Iqbal, along with accomplice Mohammed Sharfaraz Ahmed, plotted to attack a TA centre on Marsh Road in Luton. Secret recordings captured Iqbal suggesting they attach a bomb to a remote-controlled toy car and send it under the gates of the centre, where there was a significant gap.
He was recorded saying, "I was looking and drove past like the TA centre, Marsh Road. At the bottom of their gate there’s quite a big gap. If you had a little toy car it drives underneath one of their vehicles or something."
The pair used instructions from an al Qaida manual titled 'Make A Bomb In The Kitchen Of Your Mom' by 'the al Qaida chef' to prepare an improvised explosive device. They were arrested in raids at their homes and jailed in 2013 after admitting to engaging in conduct in preparation for acts of terrorism.
Sentencing and Parole Board Decision
In 2013, Justice Wilkie sentenced Iqbal and Ahmed to 16 years in prison, with a minimum term of 11 years and three months. In January 2026, the Parole Board ruled that Iqbal should be released, citing that his risk to the public is now manageable in the community.
A Parole Board spokesperson stated, "We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board has directed the release of Zahid Iqbal following an oral hearing. Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community."
The spokesperson emphasized the thoroughness of the review process, which includes examining hundreds of pages of evidence, hearing from witnesses like probation officers and psychiatrists, and considering victim impact statements. "Protecting the public is our number one priority," they added.
Political Reaction and Calls for Veto
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp has written to the Justice Secretary, urging a veto of the Parole Board's decision. He highlighted the ongoing threat of Islamist extremism in the UK, stating, "We all know the threat posed by Islamist extremism in this country. That is why the Government must veto the decision to release Zahid Iqbal and keep him behind bars."
The case has sparked debate over parole policies and public safety, with concerns raised about releasing individuals convicted of terrorism-related offenses early. The Parole Board maintains that its decisions are based on rigorous risk assessments to ensure community safety.
