UAE Official: Pro-Palestine Materials Found on Oman Pilot
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Pro-Palestine materials found on co-pilot of Flydubai flight.
- Co-pilot allegedly attacked captain during flight to Israel.
- Plane diverted to Saudi Arabia after distress signal.
- Israeli and US leaders suggest possible Iranian involvement.
- Passengers reportedly subdued the attacker in cockpit.
A new detail has emerged in the investigation into the Flydubai incident, with an Emirati official revealing that pro-Palestine leaflets and publications were discovered among the belongings of the Omani co-pilot. The official told i24NEWS that the co-pilot had previously expressed pro-Palestinian sentiments and hostility towards Israel.
The incident involved Flydubai flight FZ1073 en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 passengers and eight crew members. During the flight, a distress code indicating unlawful interference was activated. Israeli fighter jets were scrambled in response, and the aircraft rapidly lost altitude before making an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
According to passenger accounts, after the plane began to dive, several Israelis reportedly broke into the cockpit, finding the captain injured and bleeding. They then subdued the attacker. Passenger Yaniv Hayoun recounted struggling with the assailant and briefly taking control of the aircraft's yoke before a crew member regained command.
The captain, identified as Indian national Smith Machacher, received initial medical attention on board. Following the landing, he was hospitalized and later flown to Abu Dhabi for further treatment, along with the co-pilot. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed his condition was stable.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior confirmed the captain was attacked by his assistant, resulting in injuries to both. However, the Saudi statement did not mention the flight's destination was Israel, the predominantly Israeli passenger list, or the suspicion of a terror incident. The possibility of other individuals being involved is also under investigation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated to Fox News that the investigation would delve into whether the pilot had accomplices and if Iran was behind the attack. U.S. President Donald Trump, when asked about intelligence linking the Omani pilot to Iran, responded, "I would say the answer, based on what I'm hearing, is yes, but we are working on it right now."
Read the original at Arutz ShevaMentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
