Stories
Flydubai Attack: 'Free Palestine' Leaflets Found in Omani Co-Pilot's Belongings
- •An Emirati source reported that "Free Palestine" leaflets and pro-Palestinian material were found among the Omani co-pilot's belongings, according to Israel's i24 News.
- •The co-pilot, who allegedly stabbed the captain in an attempt to crash the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight, had reportedly expressed support for Palestinians and hostility towards Israel.
- •Captain Smit Machchhar, despite severe injuries, resisted the assailant, and with the help of crew and passengers, regained control, leading to an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- •Israeli authorities are investigating the co-pilot's alleged Islamic radicalization and possible terrorist motives, with US President Donald Trump hinting at potential connections to Tehran.
- •Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Captain Machchhar's heroism, who is now recovering in a UAE hospital, for saving 180 lives and averting a major catastrophe.
Key Questions Answered
Investigators found leaflets and publications from Free Palestine groups along with other pro-Palestinian materials among the Omani co-pilot's belongings. The material is being examined as part of a broader investigation into his alleged Islamic radicalisation and potential terrorist motives.
Despite sustaining severe injuries, Captain Smit Machchhar resisted the assailant while flight crew members and passengers breached the flight deck to restrain the attacker using earphone cords and plastic cuffs. Two non-duty pilots on board then successfully assumed control of the aircraft for an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Captain Smit Machchhar was reported to be in a stable condition and recovering well in a UAE hospital. Indian Ambassador to the UAE Deepak Mittal visited him and praised his bravery, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally called him to applaud his tremendous courage.
