Pilot's Extreme Posts Revealed After Failed Flydubai Attack

Further details have emerged regarding the deep security lapse that allowed a co-pilot to attempt a "mega-terror attack" on a Flydubai flight bound for Israel. The pilot, Maam Al-Maami, had posted numerous extremist statements online, including edited footage of El Al planes and former Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, and a video connecting Mecca to Jerusalem. These posts, which have since been deleted from his LinkedIn account, were uploaded nine hours after his arrest, but the digital trail began much earlier.

A joint investigation by CNN and Red Valley analyzed over 3,000 of Al-Maami's posts, uncovering dozens of extremist remarks. These included 43 unusual statements, with 16 directed at women, 10 related to control and honor, 8 dehumanizing, and others expressing homophobia and sexual humiliation. Cyber expert Gonen Avnon described Al-Maami as a violent, extremist, religious fanatic who should never have been allowed to fly a plane with Israelis aboard.

Oman Air had previously suspended Al-Maami due to his extremist views, reassigning him to a different role. However, he was subsequently hired by Flydubai, from where he proceeded to the cockpit of the flight that nearly crashed into Israel. The investigation highlights a significant failure to connect the dots regarding Al-Maami's radicalization and intent, despite clear warning signs.