New Details Emerge on Flydubai Pilot Terrorist's Radicalization
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Hamam Al-Hamami, the Omani citizen who attempted to hijack a Flydubai plane, frequented a Melbourne mosque and was exposed to extremist ideology, according to UAE investigators. His radicalization began in 2017 while studying in Australia, where he drew inspiration from the 9/11 attacks. Al-Hamami prepared for the attack through physical training and made two reconnaissance flights to Israel to study the route and Ben Gurion Airport.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Terrorist Hamam Al-Hamami frequented a Melbourne mosque and connected with individuals linked to an Islamic center led by "Abu Hamza."
- Al-Hamami's radicalization began in 2017 while studying in Australia, inspired by the 9/11 attacks.
- He pursued an aviation career to carry out a future terrorist attack, investigators found.
- Al-Hamami underwent boxing training and consumed extremist propaganda as part of his preparation.
- The terrorist made two prior flights to Israel to study the flight path and Ben Gurion Airport.
New details have emerged regarding Hamam Al-Hamami, the Omani citizen who attempted to hijack a Flydubai plane and crash it in Israel. Investigations reveal that Al-Hamami, 29, frequented a mosque in Melbourne, Australia, during his studies there in 2017. At this mosque, he reportedly connected with individuals associated with an Islamic center led by a cleric known as "Abu Hamza," also identified as Samir Muhtadi. This center, according to Al-Hamami, received support from a charity linked to the Muslim Brotherhood.
Investigators in the UAE have determined that Al-Hamami's radicalization began in 2017 while he was studying at RMIT University in Melbourne. He was exposed to extremist Islamic literature and online content glorifying terrorist organizations and suicide attacks. The UAE prosecution stated that Al-Hamami drew inspiration from the September 11, 2001 attacks and intended to carry out a similar act using a passenger plane.
Al-Hamami allegedly confessed to investigators that he pursued a career in aviation with the specific intention of carrying out a future terrorist attack. He prepared for the attack over an extended period, both mentally and physically, consuming extremist propaganda and undergoing private boxing training. To familiarize himself with the flight path and Ben Gurion Airport, he made two prior flights on the Dubai-Tel Aviv route.
The UAE Attorney General, Hamed Saif Al-Shamsi, confirmed that the initial signs of Al-Hamami's radicalization appeared in 2017 during his time in Australia. The investigation suggests he meticulously planned the attack, including reconnaissance flights to Israel.
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