Pilot who attacked Capt Machchhar was radicalised, aimed to crash plane: Netanyahu
PM Netanyahu reveals the co-pilot who attacked Captain Smit Machchhar underwent radical indoctrination and tried to crash the plane.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has provided chilling details regarding the mid-air terror attempt on flydubai flight FZ1073. According to the Prime Minister, the co-pilot who launched a violent assault on Captain Smit Machchhar had undergone radical Islamist indoctrination and was actively attempting to crash the aircraft.
Speaking during an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu confirmed that the suspect is currently under intense interrogation by Israeli investigators. The Prime Minister noted that the attacker appeared to be in a suicidal state of mind during the incident.
A Heroic Struggle to Prevent a 9/11-Style Disaster
Netanyahu hailed the "tremendous act of heroism" displayed by the Indian pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar. Despite being stabbed and bleeding profusely, Machchhar fought for his life to unlock the cockpit door, an action that prevented what the Prime Minister described as a potential 9/11-style catastrophe.
"I think what happened is a tremendous act of heroism that prevented another 9/11 style crash of an entire airplane," Netanyahu told CBS News, reflecting on the gravity of the situation.
The Prime Minister detailed the harrowing moments inside the cockpit as the plane approached Israel:
- The flight was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
- The Omani co-pilot attacked the Indian captain using an axe or a stabbing motion.
- As the captain fought his injuries, the plane entered a dangerous nosedive.
- The attacker was eventually restrained using earphone cords and plastic cuffs.
- The suspect was reportedly shouting "kill me, kill me" while lying on the floor.
The Flight's Emergency Landing and Investigation Status
The aircraft, Flydubai flight FZ1073, was forced to make an unscheduled emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia after the mid-air struggle. While the plane landed safely, the physical toll on Captain Machchhar has been severe.
The captain, who suffered serious stab wounds, was initially treated at a hospital in Tabuk. He is currently being airlifted to Abu Dhabi to receive advanced medical care for his injuries.
Regarding the legal proceedings, Saudi Arabian authorities are currently leading the preliminary investigation into the Omani co-pilot. Once the Saudi inquiry concludes, the suspect is expected to be handed over to Emirati authorities for a secondary investigation. Israeli officials believe the UAE's probe will uncover even more significant details regarding the motive and the extent of the radicalisation involved in this attempted tragedy.