Fresh details from the flydubai FZ1073 investigation suggest the co-pilot who allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar had expressed violent anti-Jewish views online and wanted to die during the incident, according to an Israeli official.
Earlier reporting noted: The information gap has become one of the biggest unanswered questions surrounding the September 30 incident aboard the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight. Because the aircraft landed at Tabuk Airport, saudi authorities are carrying out the initial inquiry. Officials have disclosed fragments of his background, including reports that he is Omani, but his name, age and photograph have not been released as investigators examine motive and possible terror links. Earlier reporting noted: The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority described it as a security incident and confirmed that crew members were injured.
The UAE Foreign Ministry said the inquiry would examine whether the attack had any connection to terrorist activity, whether it was planned in advance and whether anyone else directed it. UAE authorities said the aircraft is registered in the Emirates, giving them jurisdiction under UAE law. The Israeli official said the suspect is expected to be transferred to the UAE. “Our understanding is he’s going to be transferred to the UAE,” the official said. Israel is also carrying out its own review of the incident and aviation security procedures, according to The Times of Israel. It said investigators were examining the circumstances of the incident as well as operational and security issues.
The UAE Attorney-General Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi has ordered a specialist Public Prosecution team to investigate the circumstances and motives behind the incident. “We will be part of that investigation. Mystery deepens as attacker remains unnamed | DNA Decodes The co-pilot accused of attacking Indian captain Smit Machchhar aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073 remains unidentified, more than a day after the aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Earlier reporting noted: Who is the Flydubai co-pilot?
