UAE Official Labels Hijacking Attempt a "Terrorist Act"
Translated & summarized from TheMarker by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- UAE official calls Flydubai hijacking attempt a "terrorist act."
- Pilot praised for bravery after fighting off attacker.
- Plane landed safely in Saudi Arabia by other crew members.
- Attacker transferred to UAE; investigations ongoing.
- Israeli PM suggests attacker influenced by radical Islam.
Anwar Gargash, Senior Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the United Arab Emirates, has for the first time classified the attempted hijacking of a Flydubai plane as a "terrorist act." Gargash praised the pilot, identified as Smith M. The Pilot, on social media platform X, stating he embodied "true courage and responsibility" in the face of a "serious terrorist threat and potential disaster." He emphasized the need for vigilance against extremism and terrorism, cautioning against simplistic interpretations or conspiracy theories.
The pilot recounted to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi how he managed to open the cockpit door while on the floor, having been attacked by the co-pilot. He sustained multiple stab wounds and was hospitalized after the plane landed in Saudi Arabia. In a televised interview, the Pilot described fighting for his life, remembering his thought process as he fell, "I knew at that moment I just had to push, that the door was right there. And then I just opened it and everyone came in."
The co-pilot, an Omani citizen, reportedly attacked the Pilot while the plane, en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was over Saudi airspace. The apparent intention was to crash the aircraft with its 180 passengers. The Pilot's struggle, despite being stabbed, allowed him to open the door, enabling passengers and crew to subdue the attacker. Two other pilots then took control and landed the plane safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia announced yesterday that the Omani attacker has been transferred to the UAE, with investigation teams from both countries cooperating. Israel views this transfer positively, believing it will enhance investigative cooperation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Fox News that the co-pilot was influenced by "radical Islam" and that an investigation would determine any potential links to Iran. Netanyahu also claimed the attacker exploited an "Israeli security loophole." U.S. President Donald Trump, when asked about Iranian involvement, responded, "I would assume so, based on what I've been told, but we are checking that now."
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