UAE Official Labels FlyDubai Flight Disruption a 'Terrorist Act'

Anwar Gargash, advisor to UAE President Muhammad bin Zayed, has publicly labeled the incident aboard a FlyDubai flight to Tel Aviv as a "terrorist act." Gargash made the statement on social media platform X, commending Indian pilot Smith Machchhar for his bravery. Machchhar, despite sustaining injuries, managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to subdue the attacker. Gargash described the pilot's actions as "true courage" in confronting a "serious and potentially catastrophic terrorist act."

This marks the first time a UAE leadership representative has officially classified the event as terrorism. Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior reported that the co-pilot attacked the captain, resulting in injuries to both. Following medical treatment, they were handed over to UAE authorities and transported to Abu Dhabi under escort.

The initial Saudi investigation materials have been transferred to the UAE, where a special investigative team has been formed. The investigation aims to determine the co-pilot's motive, whether the attack was premeditated, if he acted alone, and if he had connections to terrorist or foreign entities.

According to Reuters, Israeli security services preliminarily assess that the attacker likely acted alone, with no evidence of Iranian involvement found. However, an unnamed UAE source told i24NEWS that materials from organizations advocating "Free Palestine" and pro-Palestinian publications were found among the belongings of the Omani co-pilot. This source also indicated the co-pilot had previously expressed support for Palestinians and hostility towards Israel, though UAE authorities have not officially confirmed this information.

Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog announced his intention to award presidential medals for civil heroism to Yaniw Hayun, Tsvika Manes, Assaf Rajuan, and Shota Musaev for their roles in rescuing the plane, neutralizing the attacker, and assisting the injured captain.