The prosecutor general of the United Arab Emirates has initiated an inquiry into the stabbing incident that occurred on FlyDubai Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The flight was diverted to Saudi Arabia following a struggle in the cockpit, as reported by the state news agency on Thursday.
Authorities in the U.A.E. have launched investigations to ascertain the circumstances and motivations behind the incident. They are also looking into whether the event was related to any terrorist activities or premeditated actions. The jurisdiction over the case lies with Emirati judicial authorities due to the aircraft being registered in the U.A.E. and operating under its flag, applying U.A.E. law to crimes committed on board regardless of the location.
There are ongoing inquiries into the background and intentions of the co-pilot who attacked the captain of the passenger jet. Israeli officials suggest it was an apparent attempt to crash the plane, which was carrying over 170 individuals. Concerns have been raised about the type of weapon used in the attack and how it was brought onto the aircraft without detection.
Despite the harrowing incident, disaster was averted when the injured captain managed to unlock the cockpit door, enabling passengers to restrain the attacker. A reserve crew on board safely landed the plane in Saudi Arabia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the attacker is being investigated in Saudi Arabia and is expected to be transferred to the U.A.E.
Saudi Arabia has not provided any official statements regarding its investigations. The attacker has been identified by Israeli officials as an Omani national, with Omani authorities yet to comment on the matter. Netanyahu mentioned in an interview that the attacker managed to bypass restrictions preventing pilots from countries without diplomatic ties with Israel.
Passengers and crew intervened to regain control of the situation, leading to both pilots being hospitalized with injuries, as confirmed by Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk airport. FlyDubai emphasized that the underlying causes of the incident are still unknown and cautioned against making premature assumptions.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz labeled the co-pilot as a terrorist based on preliminary information, while Netanyahu described the event as a serious security incident. The plane experienced a rapid descent over Saudi Arabia before passengers and crew subdued the attacker and landed the aircraft safely.
Both Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the captain, Smit Machchhar, as a hero for his actions. Machchhar, an Indian national, is reported to be in good health and recovering. The Indian Embassy in the U.A.E. is closely coordinating with local authorities to ensure his ongoing medical care and well-being.
Israel also commended the passengers who assisted in subduing the attacker, with one individual, Yaniv Hayun, recounting the experience of taking control of the plane during the crisis. The incident has heightened security concerns in Israel, coinciding with upcoming elections and ongoing security challenges in the region.
The U.S. and Israel engaged in strikes against Iran earlier this year, leading to escalating tensions in the Gulf region, including Lebanon, where Israel has been combating Iran-linked militant groups.