Most Dangerous Countries Face New Terrorism Scrutiny after Flydubai Attack
UAE authorities launched a terrorism investigation into an incident in which the co-pilot of a Flydubai flight bound for Israel allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to crash the plane, with Israeli officials describing it as an attempted jihadist attack and US and Israeli sources scrutinizing possible Iranian links amid most dangerous countries facing renewed attention over such cases.
UAE Opens Terrorism Probe into Flydubai Cockpit Attack
UAE chief prosecutor Hamad Saif Al Shamsi launched an investigation into possible terrorist activity or intent after the midair altercation on Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was traveling from Dubai International Airport to Tel Aviv. [5] The probe examines circumstances, motives, prior planning or direction, and applies UAE law to crimes on board the UAE-registered aircraft even outside national territory. [5] The flight diverted and landed safely at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia, after which the Omani co-pilot was transferred to UAE custody accompanied by an Emirati security team. [1] Saudi Arabia's interior ministry stated the co-pilot had attacked the plane's captain. [1] Israel joined the interrogation following discussions between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. [5]
Israeli Officials Cite Islamist Radicalization
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the Omani co-pilot had undergone Islamist radical indoctrination, was suicidal, and called out "Kill me, kill me" during the attack. [1] Netanyahu described the events as an attempted terrorist attack that could have led to a disaster similar to the September 11, 2001 attacks with bodies scattered in the desert. [1] Israel's far-right national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir called it a jihadist attack, while Defence Minister Israel Katz also described the incident as an attempted jihadist terror attack. [1] Netanyahu noted constraints on pilots from countries without diplomatic relations with Israel and said background checks were conducted for replacement pilots. [1]
Passengers and Crew Prevent Crash
Passengers and an off-duty crew member overpowered the co-pilot after the plane plunged 17,000 feet in one minute, enabling an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. [1] The Indian captain Smit Machchhar was hailed as a hero by Netanyahu, India's PM Modi, and Israeli President Herzog. [1] Passengers described rushing the cockpit after the plane suddenly plummeted, with one stating the co-pilot tried to murder the pilot and carry out a suicide attack. [1] The injured captain managed to open the cockpit door to let responders in before they wrestled with the co-pilot and stabilized the plane during a descent so sharp that the rudder of the jet was ripped off. [5] An on-duty flydubai crew member travelling on the flight diverted and landed the aircraft safely. [1] Flydubai suspended flights to Israel while the investigation took place. [5]
Iran Links Scrutinized in Flydubai and UK Cases in Most Dangerous Countries
US President Trump and Israeli officials linked Iran to the Flydubai incident, with Trump vowing to hit Iran very hard if confirmed. [4] Iran denied any role. [2] A separate UK counter-terrorism investigation into a suspected plot near RAF Fairford airbase arrested a dual British-Iranian man and five others, with UK officials citing strong indications of Iranian involvement. [2] British counter-terrorism police arrested a 25-year-old dual British-Iranian national in London on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts in connection with the Sunday incident near the airbase used by the United States Air Force. [2] Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were strong indications that Iran played a part, though details could not be given as the investigation continued. [2] Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi replied that Burnham was barking up the wrong tree, and Tehran denied any involvement. [2] Five British nationals aged 23 to 25 who live in London remain on police bail after detention near the base on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act, with petrol but no explosive devices found in vans near the site. [2]
International Reactions and Honors
US President Donald Trump, after discussing the incident with Netanyahu, said it seems as though the co-pilot was perhaps a terrorist or perhaps a whack job. [1] Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Captain Machchhar as a hero whose valour helped save lives. [1] Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he would present heroism awards to five Israelis who helped overpower the co-pilot and prevented him from crashing the plane. [1] The Indian ambassador to the United Arab Emirates met with the wounded captain, who was moved to Abu Dhabi for continued treatment after initial care at a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. [5] Four passengers had US citizenship according to the US State Department. [5]
What to watch next: UAE investigators continue examining possible terrorist activity or intent in the Flydubai case while the UK probe into the RAF Fairford incident examines all possible angles including foreign state involvement.
