Omani co-pilot attacked Flydubai captain, shouted 'kill me' after being subdued
· World · Times of India, India Today, NDTV
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Omani co-pilot who allegedly stabbed Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar aboard flight FZ 1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv had undergone Islamist radical indoctrination and was suicidal. Netanyahu stated the co-pilot repeatedly shouted 'kill me, kill me!' after being subdued and restrained by passengers and crew. The Indian captain Machchhar was seriously wounded but managed to alert authorities and open the cockpit door despite his injuries. Investigators are examining whether there is an Iran link to the incident and if the co-pilot intended to bring down the aircraft. Netanyahu said fighter jets were scrambled after an initial hijacking alert, describing it as a potential worst-case scenario. The motive behind the attack remains under investigation, and no group has claimed responsibility.
Why it matters
The incident raises concerns about aviation security on routes between the Gulf and Israel, frequently used by Indian expatriates and travelers. It also highlights the potential threat of Islamist radicalisation affecting cockpit crew, which could impact flight safety globally.
Read the original report — Times of India
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