US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that he “personally” believes Iran orchestrated the attack carried out by an Omani co-pilot aboard a FlyDubai flight operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Addressing media queries on the White House premises when asked if Iran was responsible for the incident, Trump affirmed, “I do. I personally do.”
The remarks follow the foiled mid-air hijacking and crash attempt on September 30 aboard FlyDubai Flight FZ1073, where Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit.
Armed with an axe, the co-pilot attempted to bring down the aircraft. Despite sustaining severe injuries, Captain Machchhar successfully unlatched the cockpit door, enabling passengers and off-duty crew members to step in and restrain the attacker.
The confrontation caused a steep descent, with the airliner dropping roughly 16,000 feet in just two minutes before a hijacking distress signal was transmitted.
The flight was subsequently diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it made a safe emergency landing, with all 180 occupants disembarking unharmed.
According to reports published on Sunday by The Times of Israel citing Hebrew media sources, al-Hammami had plotted to direct the aircraft into Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport. The suspect is currently detained and undergoing interrogation in the United Arab Emirates.
For more details: Navamalayalam.com