1 hr ago
Former Mossad Official Calls flydubai Co-Pilot Lone-Wolf Radical
A flydubai plane was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv when its co-pilot attacked the captain in the cockpit.
The captain was stabbed, but passengers and two off-duty pilots helped take control of the plane.
The aircraft landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
The co-pilot was arrested and remains in Saudi custody.
Israel has identified him as being from Oman.
Former Mossad official Rami Igra said the man may have been influenced by an extreme interpretation of Islam.
Igra called the incident a possible lone-wolf attack, meaning he may have acted alone.
However, the evidence and the attacker’s exact motive have not been fully established.
Investigators are also examining whether he planned to crash the aircraft into a major target.
A former Mossad official said the flydubai co-pilot’s cockpit attack appeared to be more than a hijacking attempt.
Rami Igra described the attacker as a possibly radicalised Muslim and a suspected lone-wolf actor, but provided no evidence.
The co-pilot, identified by Israel as being from Oman, remains in Saudi Arabian custody after the plane landed there.
Two off-duty pilots and passengers helped take control after the Indian captain was stabbed during the Dubai–Tel Aviv flight.
Authorities are still investigating the attacker’s motive, possible targets, connections and whether he may be extradited to the United Arab Emirates.
- Who
- The flydubai co-pilot, the Indian captain Smit Machchhar, two off-duty pilots, passengers and former Mossad official Rami Igra are central to the account.
- What
- The co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain and attempted to take control of the aircraft during flight.
- Where
- The flight was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv and landed in Saudi Arabia; the alleged attacker remains in Saudi custody.
- When
- The incident occurred on September 30; Igra discussed it in an interview on Friday.
- Why
- The attacker’s motive is still under investigation; Igra suggested possible Islamic radicalisation and a lone-wolf attack.
Suspected Radicalisation
Unresolved Investigation
Nature of the attack
Suspected Radicalisation
Rami Igra said available information pointed to a possible lone-wolf attack by a radicalised Muslim rather than only a negotiation-focused hijacking.
Unresolved Investigation
The article says Igra provided no supporting evidence, and the attacker’s motive and connections remain to be established.
Possible extremist links
Suspected Radicalisation
Igra cited later reports that leaflets supporting the Palestinian cause in Israel were allegedly found among the attacker’s belongings.
Unresolved Investigation
Those reports were not presented as confirmed evidence, and Iran denied involvement in the attack.
Responsibility for Oman
Suspected Radicalisation
Igra attributed the alleged motive to the individual and said Oman should not be blamed, noting that Israel and Oman have no diplomatic relations but have had past contacts.
Unresolved Investigation
The attacker was identified as being from Oman, but the article does not establish whether any organisation or state directed him.
Key facts
- Flight route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Incident date
- September 30
- Landing location
- Saudi Arabia
- Attacker’s reported origin
- Oman, according to Israel’s identification
- Current custody
- Saudi Arabia
- Rescue effort
- Two off-duty pilots and passengers helped take control of the aircraft
- Possible next step
- The co-pilot may be sent to the United Arab Emirates, where Israel could seek extradition
Quotes
Rami Igra
Former head of Mossad’s MIA unit
“If it weren't for the brave Indian pilot (Captain Smit Machchhar, who was stabbed) and the passengers, we would be looking at a horrible incident in which more than 180 people would have been dead”
NDTV
“You must know that Israel and Oman do not have bad relations... Though we do not have diplomatic relations with Oman”
NDTV
Sources
Related news
Saudi Arabia Hands Over Flydubai Co-Pilot as Midair Attack Probed
Netanyahu Cites Islamist Radicalization in Flydubai Co-Pilot Incident
Flydubai Copilot Attack Leaves Motive and Identity Unclear
Netanyahu Says Flydubai Co-Pilot Was Radicalised After Attack
UAE Probes Possible Terror Link in Flydubai Cockpit Attack
Flydubai Co-Pilot Accused of Mid-Air Attack on Captain
Flydubai Cockpit Attack Raises Questions About Pilot Security Clearance
Passengers Restrained Alleged Flydubai Co-Pilot After Mid-Air Attack
Pentagon awards RTX $20.7 billion AMRAAM contract amid stockpile concerns
