Israeli Security Forces Arrive in the UAE for Investigation
Recent developments surrounding the attempted hijacking of a Fly Dubai flight heading to Israel have escalated as members of the Israeli security agency, known as the "Shabak," arrived in the United Arab Emirates to participate in the interrogation of Omani co-pilot Hamam Al-Hammami. This incident has drawn significant attention, particularly as investigations continue to unveil possible motivations and connections that may involve external influences behind the hijacking attempt.
According to a report by journalist Sivan Yakhzail on Israeli Channel 14, the Shabak team is actively involved in questioning Al-Hammami, who allegedly attempted to seize control of flight FZ1073. Preliminary reports indicate that the investigation focuses on his background, motives, and whether he acted independently or was linked to other groups. Al-Hammami was previously transferred from Saudi Arabia into the custody of UAE authorities.
The UAE's Attorney General officially announced that the investigation revealed Al-Hammami's attempt to carry out an "act of terrorism," as he reportedly attacked the aircraft's captain, Indian pilot Smit Machhar, with an emergency axe in a bid to take over the plane.
Information gleaned from various sources, including Reuters, suggests that Al-Hammami had planned this operation even before joining Fly Dubai. His intention was to crash the aircraft in the vicinity of Ben Gurion Airport. Moreover, it has come to light that he considered executing a similar attack during a prior flight to Israel but ultimately refrained from moving forward with that plan. However, the official investigation remains ongoing, and the complete results have yet to be disclosed.
International Dimension of the Investigation
These developments follow reports from the previous weekend indicating that the investigation has taken on an international aspect. Authorities in Australia have initiated inquiries regarding the suspect's connections during his time studying in Melbourne, alongside scrutiny of his professional history.
According to international media reports, Al-Hammami had previously been barred from flying in Oman due to concerns regarding his extremist views, a detail which is currently under examination as part of the ongoing investigation.
Simultaneously, authorities are exploring the possibility of external involvement in the attempted attack. To date, the UAE has not released any official findings linking Iran or any specific organization to the planning of this incident, with the Attorney General's statement emphasizing that the circumstances, motivations, and potential connections of the suspect remain under investigation.
During the flight from Dubai to Israel, Al-Hammami assaulted the captain, attempting to take control of the aircraft. Despite sustaining injuries, the captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing for the apprehension of the suspect. The plane subsequently landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, before Al-Hammami was later transferred to the UAE.
As the investigation broadens and involves Israeli investigators, the pivotal question remains: Did the co-pilot act alone, or were there external entities that contributed to the planning of the operation?
As reported by lebanondebate.com.
