A new video released Thursday evening shows Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar receiving medical treatment after the attempted hijacking of flight FZ1073 on Wednesday. The footage, recorded after the aircraft landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, also shows the Omani co-pilot, described by Israeli officials as a terrorist, bound and secured.
A new, clearer video recorded after the forced landing of Flydubai flight FZ1073 in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, was circulated Thursday evening at 19:59 Jerusalem. The footage shows captain Smit Machchhar receiving medical treatment alongside the restrained Omani co-pilot, whom Israeli officials have designated a terrorist. The video corroborates earlier footage released at 19:43.
The captain, who was stabbed during the attempted hijacking on Wednesday afternoon, was later transferred to Dubai for further medical care, as The Zioneer reported at Thu 14:38 Jerusalem. The Omani co-pilot remains under investigation on Saudi soil, with Israeli officials stating that the suspicion of a nationalist motive is growing but not yet confirmed — as reported since Wednesday. Mossad chief Roman Gofman is coordinating the investigation and liaison with Saudi authorities.
The attempted hijacking unfolded as flight FZ1073 flew from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The co-pilot stabbed the captain and tried to crash the aircraft, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israeli passengers subdued him, and the plane made an emergency landing in Tabuk. Saudi and Jordanian fighter jets were scrambled alongside the Israeli Air Force, as The Zioneer reported on Wednesday evening at 22:46 Jerusalem. All passengers were rescued and returned to Israel Wednesday night.
The timeline for the co-pilot's expected transfer to Dubai and the full determination of his motive remain open questions as the investigation continues.
9 developments
- DevelopingN12 publishes cockpit footage from Flydubai flight, shows wounded pilot and passengers' arrest fears
- DevelopingIsrael Hayom reports new details linking Flydubai hijacking suspect to Iran
- DevelopingJournalist Assaf Rosenzweig shares footage of 'moments of horror' from a flight
- StrongShin Bet investigating terrorist who attempted to hijack Flydubai flight
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