Israel's Shin Bet Joins UAE Probe Into FlyDubai Pilot's Attack Attempt
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Shin Bet joins UAE investigation into FlyDubai flight hijacking attempt.
- Pilot Hammam al-Hammami attacked captain with axe, sought control.
- Israeli sources: Pilot planned attack before joining airline.
- Investigators probe if pilot acted alone or with external help.
- Australia reviewing pilot's past; Oman flight removal also checked.
Israel's Shin Bet security agency has joined the investigation into an attempted hijacking of a FlyDubai flight bound for Israel. The probe, led by the United Arab Emirates, is examining the motives and background of the second pilot, Hammam al-Hammami, who attacked the captain with an emergency axe on flight FZ1073. Al-Hammami was previously handed over to the UAE by Saudi Arabian authorities.
UAE prosecutors have officially classified the incident as an attempted terrorist act. Investigators believe al-Hammami planned the attack before joining FlyDubai, with the potential goal of crashing the passenger plane near Ben Gurion Airport. Israeli sources suggest he may have considered a similar attack on a previous flight to Israel, but it did not materialize.
The investigation has expanded internationally, with Australian authorities reviewing al-Hammami's past in Melbourne, where he studied. There are also reports being checked regarding his prior removal from flights in Oman due to concerns about radicalization.
Investigators are working to determine if al-Hammami acted alone or if an external organizer was involved. To date, UAE authorities have not presented evidence linking Iran or any terrorist group to the plot.
During the flight from Dubai, al-Hammami assaulted the Indian captain, Smith Machhar, and attempted to seize control. Despite his injuries, the captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to subdue the attacker. The plane landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after which al-Hammami was detained and transferred to the UAE.
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