US President Donald Trump warned that Iran will be hit very hard if it is linked to a cockpit attack on a Flydubai flight to Israel, as the United Arab Emirates opened an investigation into potential terrorist activity [1].
Omani Co-Pilot Attacks Captain on Flydubai Flight
The incident unfolded on a Flydubai flight carrying passengers from the United Arab Emirates to Tel Aviv when the Omani co-pilot allegedly stabbed Indian captain Smit Machchhar and attempted to crash the aircraft [1], [2]. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the suspect had undergone “Islamist radical indoctrination” and was suicidal [1]. Passengers intervened and helped the bloodied captain open the cockpit door, enabling them to grapple with the co-pilot, stabilise a sharp descent [2], and make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia [1].
Mr Trump stated at the White House that he and Mr Netanyahu discussed the incident by phone, remarking that the co-pilot was perhaps a terrorist or perhaps a whack job
[2], [4]. When asked whether Iran was involved, Mr Trump told reporters, I would say the answer, based on what I'm hearing, is yes but we're working on it right now
[1]. However, Mr Netanyahu had earlier told Fox News that it’s too early to say
whether there was any indication of Iranian involvement [1], [2].
UAE Investigates Terrorism as Flydubai Suspends Israel Flights
The UAE chief prosecutor announced that investigators would explore whether there had been terrorist activity or intent, with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan agreeing that Israel could participate in the interrogation of the suspect [1], [2]. Meanwhile, Flydubai announced the suspension of flights between Dubai and Israel while the investigation proceeds [2], [4].
As investigations continue, Oman’s government has not commented [2], the co-pilot’s name has not been released, and his current condition remains unknown [2].