Omani National Identified as Terrorist Pilot in Flydubai Hijacking Attempt
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Omani national Al-Hamaami identified as terrorist pilot in Flydubai hijacking attempt.
- Al-Hamaami was previously flagged as security risk with extremist materials.
- He attacked the captain and tried to seize control of the aircraft.
- Flight diverted safely to Saudi Arabia with over 170 passengers.
- Social media posts linked him to terrorism and radical ideology.
- Investigation continues into his motives and potential accomplices.
The identity of the terrorist pilot who attempted to hijack a Flydubai flight bound for Israel has been revealed as Al-Hamaami, a 29-year-old Omani citizen. Al-Hamaami, the co-pilot, attacked the captain and tried to seize control of the aircraft's systems on Wednesday, with over 170 people, mostly Israelis, on board. The flight was diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
New details about Al-Hamaami's past indicate he was flagged as a security risk in 2024 while working for Oman Air. "Extremist materials" were found in his possession, leading to a ban from flying. Despite this, he managed to return to aviation and eventually reached the cockpit of the flight to Israel.
The Attorney General of the United Arab Emirates confirmed that the investigation revealed Al-Hamaami intended to carry out a terrorist attack. This was corroborated by Israel, which stated the incident was an act of terror based on intelligence. UAE authorities reported that Al-Hamaami attacked the captain with an emergency axe and attempted to take control of the plane.
Social media activity attributed to Al-Hamaami has raised further questions about his radicalization. A LinkedIn account reportedly showed a video focusing on an El Al plane at Dubai Airport on October 11, 2023, four days after the October 7th Hamas attack. The video also featured images of Ayman al-Zawahiri and Humam Khalil Abu Mulal al-Balawi, a terrorist who killed CIA personnel.
Authorities are investigating Al-Hamaami's motives and potential connections to other individuals or groups, though no evidence linking him to Iran or state-sponsored terrorism has been released. The investigation is ongoing to determine if he acted alone.
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