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India Investigates Attack on FlyDubai Pilot En Route to Tel Aviv
India's National Investigation Agency has launched a terror investigation into the September 30 attempted attack on a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv. The probe was initiated under anti-hijacking and anti-terrorism laws because the aircraft's captain, Smith Machchhar, who was severely injured in the assault, is an Indian citizen.
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What happened
- 01India's National Investigation Agency has opened a terror and hijacking investigation into the September 30 Flydubai flight incident.
- 02The co-pilot, Omani national Hamam Al-Hamami, allegedly planned to crash the plane into Ben Gurion Airport, inspired by the September 11 attacks.
- 03The flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv carried 174 passengers, mostly Israelis, and six crew members.
- 04The co-pilot severely injured the Indian captain, Smith Machchhar, before being subdued by passengers and crew.
- 05Other pilots on board safely landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and the assailant was handed over to the UAE.
- 06Indian investigators are probing whether the suspect acted alone or as part of a wider international conspiracy.
- 07India is expected to seek intelligence cooperation from Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE regarding the incident.
- 08Captain Machchhar is expected to receive India's civilian bravery award and Israel's Medal "For Civil Courage" from President Isaac Herzog.
During the flight from Dubai, which carried 174 passengers, mostly Israelis, and six crew members, the co-pilot allegedly assaulted Machchhar, causing severe head and hand injuries. According to preliminary findings from the United Arab Emirates, the co-pilot, identified as Omani national Hamam Al-Hamami, planned to crash the plane into Ben Gurion Airport, inspired by the September 11 attacks. Passengers and crew subdued the attacker, and other pilots on board safely landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The assailant was detained by Saudi authorities and subsequently handed over to the UAE.
While the suspect reportedly claimed to have acted alone, Indian investigators are exploring the possibility of a broader international conspiracy. India is expected to seek intelligence cooperation from Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Meanwhile, Captain Machchhar's condition has improved following surgery, and he is expected to receive India's civilian bravery award as well as Israel's Medal "For Civil Courage" from President Isaac Herzog.
Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated
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