The prosecutor general of the United Arab Emirates has initiated an inquiry into the stabbing incident that occurred on FlyDubai Flight FZ1073 traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The flight was diverted to Saudi Arabia following a disturbance in the cockpit, as reported by the state news agency on Thursday.
Authorities in the UAE are conducting investigations to determine the circumstances and motives behind the incident. They are also looking into whether the incident had any ties to terrorist activities, premeditation, or specific direction.
The jurisdiction over the case lies with Emirati judicial authorities due to the aircraft being registered in the UAE and operating under its flag. The law of the UAE applies to crimes committed on board, even if they occur outside the country’s borders.
There are concerns regarding the background and intentions of the co-pilot who attacked the captain of the passenger jet. Israeli officials suspect an attempt to crash the plane, which was carrying over 170 individuals.
Questions have arisen about the type of weapon used in the attack and how the pilot managed to bring it onto the aircraft without detection, especially if it was a knife.
The situation was brought under control when the injured captain unlocked the cockpit door, allowing passengers and a reserve crew on board to subdue the attacker and safely land the plane in Saudi Arabia.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned that the attacker is being investigated in Saudi Arabia and is expected to be transferred to the UAE for further proceedings.
Saudi Arabia has not provided any updates on its investigations. The attacker, identified as an Omani national by Israeli officials, has not received any comments from Omani authorities.
Passengers and crew intervened when the flight was in distress, resulting in both pilots being hospitalized. FlyDubai mentioned that the exact reasons behind the incident are still unclear and cautioned against premature assumptions.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz labeled the co-pilot as a terrorist based on preliminary information, with Netanyahu referring to the event as a serious security breach. The plane experienced a rapid descent over Saudi Arabia before being brought back under control by the passengers and crew.
Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the captain, Smit Machchhar, as a hero for his actions during the incident. Machchhar is said to be in good health and recovering, with the Indian Embassy in the UAE closely monitoring his medical care.
Israel also commended the passengers who helped neutralize the attacker, including Yaniv Hayun, who described the events leading up to the plane being stabilized upon its return to Israel.
The incident has heightened security concerns in Israel ahead of the upcoming elections, with security issues taking center stage in the political landscape. Recent conflicts in the region, such as the strikes against Iran by the US and Israel, have further added to the tensions in the Gulf and Lebanon.