Stories
Ex-US Defence Secretary Calls Flydubai Attack 'Definition Of Terrorism'
- •Former US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta labeled the Flydubai incident, where an Indian captain was attacked, as "the very definition of terrorism" and a "massive security failure."
- •The suspected attacker, identified as Hamam Al-Hammami, was reportedly removed from a previous Oman Air job due to expressing extremist views.
- •Questions have arisen regarding how Al-Hammami was able to work for Flydubai and operate a passenger flight despite his alleged past employment record and extremist views.
- •During the September 30 incident, Al-Hammami allegedly stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar, causing the Boeing 737 to enter a steep descent.
- •Despite injuries, Captain Machchhar enabled crew and passengers to intervene, with two off-duty pilots assisting in regaining control before an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Key Questions Answered
Former US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta described the cockpit attack on Indian captain Smit Machchhar as "the very definition of terrorism" and a "massive security failure" following reports about the suspect's background.
During the flight, co-pilot Hamam Al-Hammami allegedly stabbed captain Smit Machchhar, sending the aircraft into a steep descent. Despite his injuries, Machchhar opened the cockpit door, allowing crew, passengers, and two off-duty pilots to intervene before an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The Omani co-pilot was identified as 29-year-old Hamam Al-Hammami, with reports indicating a past in Syria and alleged extremist views. He had previously worked for Oman Air before being removed from that job for expressing extremist views, raising questions about how he was hired by Flydubai.
