Flydubai Co-Pilot Faces Death Penalty Over Alleged Terror Plot

Israeli intelligence and aviation experts are participating in the investigation into the attempted crash of a Flydubai plane, seeking to determine if the co-pilot acted alone or was directed by a state or terrorist organization. According to a report by Smadar Peri in Ynet, citing a senior UAE official, Saudi, Omani, and at least two American intelligence representatives are also involved in the probe. The Israeli investigators are expected to join the interrogation room. The investigation is being led by Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, the Prosecutor General of the United Arab Emirates.

The investigation is focusing on the alleged terror plot attributed to the 29-year-old co-pilot, Maam Al-Hamami. The senior UAE official stated that Al-Hamami did not intend merely to crash the plane but planned to bring it down on a tall building in Israel, similar to the September 11th attacks. The Azrieli Center towers in Tel Aviv were reportedly considered a potential target. The official indicated that upon completion of the investigation, Al-Hamami is expected to face the death penalty. The source suggested that even though the incident concluded without passenger fatalities, the UAE intends to seek the harshest punishment for deterrence, stating, "There will be no compromise here" and no pardon will be granted.