Shin Bet representatives have flown to the United Arab Emirates to participate in the interrogation of the Omani co-pilot accused in the attempted hijacking of the Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai flight, according to reports.
Shin Bet representatives have arrived in the United Arab Emirates and are actively participating in the ongoing interrogation of Hamam al-Hammami, the Omani co-pilot accused of attempting to crash a Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai flight on September 30. Israeli investigators are working alongside Emirati authorities to determine whether al-Hammami acted alone, was affiliated with a terror organization, or was directed by Iran.
During the investigation, al-Hammami confessed that his intended target was the main terminal of Ben Gurion Airport. He told interrogators that he deliberately delayed attacking the captain until the aircraft crossed into Jordanian airspace to prevent early interception, intending to crash the plane in the final seconds of approach. The attack was thwarted when the wounded Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, forced open the cockpit door, enabling passengers to subdue him. Al-Hammami later stated that he acted out of revenge for Gaza.
As The Zioneer previously reported, the UAE has shared the full passenger and crew manifest with Israeli authorities. CBS reported that Flydubai hired al-Hammami without conducting a background check, despite Omani authorities flagging his visits to extremist websites. The investigation is also expanding to Australia, where al-Hammami studied for two years.
Israeli and Emirati investigators are still working to establish a final profile of al-Hammami, particularly whether any external actors were involved.
11 developments
- ConfirmedFlydubai co-pilot reportedly targeted Tel Aviv-bound flights months before attack, sought airlines flying to Israel
- DevelopingBen-Gvir: Israel Should Seek Extradition of Flydubai Co-Pilot
- StrongFlydubai passengers tell New York Post: crew asked us to release terrorist co-pilot
- StrongForeign reports claim Iran-Pakistan link in Flydubai hijacking attempt
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