Highlights
- UAE presidential advisor calls Flydubai attack a ‘dangerous terrorist act’
- Despite being injured, Captain Smit Mosquito saved the lives of the passengers by taking control of the cockpit.
- Netanyahu’s claim – the attacker was influenced by fundamentalist ideology, investigation continues.
Abu Dhabi: A big statement has come out regarding the cockpit attack on the flydubai flight going from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Anwar Gargash, advisor to UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, described the incident as a ‘dangerous terrorist act’. He also praised the bravery of Indian pilot Captain Smit Machhar. This is the first time that a senior UAE official has officially described the incident as a terrorist incident. However, international investigative agencies are still investigating the motive and entire conspiracy of the attack.
‘Smit Mosquito set an example of courage and responsibility’
Anwar Gargash praised Captain Smit Mosquito on social media platform X. He said that the Indian pilot set a true example of courage and responsibility while facing an extremely dangerous situation. Gargash said,
‘Flydubai’s Indian pilot Smit Machar deserves every accolade. “They showed the true meaning of courage and responsibility in the face of a dangerous terrorist act and potentially major tragedy.”
‘Showed professional attitude even in the most difficult times’
The advisor to the UAE President also praised Captain Mosquito’s composure during the struggle in the cockpit. He said,
‘His professionalism and moral responsibility in the darkest of circumstances make him a true hero.’
Gargash also appealed to avoid hasty conclusions or promoting conspiracy theories regarding the incident. He said that vigilance and vigilance is necessary to deal with the threats of extremism and terrorism in the region. Let us tell you that The UAE government had ordered an investigation into this incident yesterday itself..
‘We have to avoid promoting conspiracy theories’
Gargash said,
‘Instead of oversimplifying what happened or adopting and promoting conspiracy theories, vigilance and caution are necessary to deal with the threats of extremism and terrorism.’
His statement has come at a time when many agencies are investigating this incident of September 30. Investigation into the case has also started in UAE and the Israeli investigation team is also involved in the investigation.
Investigation into terrorist motive behind the attack intensifies
Israel’s i24 News, quoting an Emirati source, claimed that leaflets from ‘Free Palestine’ groups and other pro-Palestine material were found in the Omani co-pilot’s luggage. The report also said that the pilot allegedly spoke several times in support of Palestinians and opposition to Israel. These claims are under investigation and are not yet considered final findings.
Co-pilot’s radical views also investigated
The investigation into the incident also focuses on whether the co-pilot was influenced by any radical ideology and whether there was a terrorist motive behind the attack. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that the accused had received ‘training in radical Islamic ideology’. However, he also said that the investigation into the matter is ongoing and a final conclusion has not yet been reached regarding the role of any external organization behind the attack.
Netanyahu said- ‘The attacker said, kill me’
Prime Minister Netanyahu gave information about the events inside the cockpit in a conversation with Fox & Friends. According to him, the crew members used earphone wires and plastic cuffs to control the attacker. Netanyahu said that the accused is being detained and interrogated and Israeli investigators are also involved. He claimed that the attacker was lying on the floor repeatedly saying ‘kill me, kill me’.
The flight was going from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30.
The incident occurred on flydubai flight FZ1073 on September 30. The plane was going from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, the co-pilot attacked the commander Captain Smit Mosquito in the cockpit. According to reports, during the attack the plane suddenly started going down rapidly. Initial reports have revealed a height loss of about 16 thousand feet. After this an emergency signal related to hijacking was sent from the plane.
Despite serious injury, Smit took charge
Captain Smit Mosquito was seriously injured in the attack. Despite this, he faced the attacker and succeeded in opening the cockpit door. After this, the flight crew and some passengers reached the cockpit and controlled the attacker. There were also two pilots present in the plane who were not on duty at that time. He helped control the plane and later made its emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. (With inputs from ANI)
