US, Saudi Arabia Investigate Iran's Potential Role in Flydubai Attack

Saudi Arabia and the United States are supporting Israel's intelligence assessment of an incident aboard a flydubai flight, which is increasingly being viewed as a planned terrorist attack. Investigators are examining the potential involvement of Iran or Yemen's Houthi rebels in the incident that occurred on a Boeing 737 flying to Israel.

During the flight, an Omani national serving as the co-pilot reportedly attacked the captain with a knife. Following a struggle in the cockpit, the aircraft rapidly lost over 14,000 feet of altitude in just 29 seconds, causing panic among passengers. Passengers and the injured captain, Smith Machhar, managed to subdue the attacker.

The plane made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Hessa Al-Yahya, an official representative of the Saudi Embassy in the USA, confirmed that investigators are considering multiple theories, including a personal conflict among crew members or a hostile operation linked to Iran or its proxies. Further investigation results are expected within 24 hours.

A U.S. administration official stated that while the incident suggests a terrorist attempt by the co-pilot, direct evidence of an order from Iran has not yet been found. Authorities are also exploring the possibility that the suspect acted alone, inspired by radical ideology. Flydubai has temporarily suspended flights on this route pending the investigation's conclusion. The suspect is in custody in Saudi Arabia, where interrogations are ongoing. Israeli passengers and crew who intervened have been recognized for their actions.