Questions regarding the identity and motive of a FlyDubai co-pilot persisted Thursday, one day after he allegedly tried to crash a passenger aircraft. The flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was nearing Israel when the co-pilot reportedly stabbed the captain and attempted to bring down the plane, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The captain fought off the attacker long enough to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers to overpower him. Two off-duty pilots on board then took control of the aircraft, executing an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. A total of 174 people were on board, and no passengers sustained serious injuries. The pilot suffered stab wounds, and two crew members were hospitalized with unspecified injuries. The co-pilot remained in custody following the incident. Although the co-pilot has not been publicly identified, an Omani official told CBS News that he was born in Oman and holds Omani citizenship, though the government has not officially confirmed this. The exact motive remains under investigation. Netanyahu suggested the event resembled a suicide attempt because witnesses reported the co-pilot tried jamming equipment rather than stabilizing the plane. After being subdued, the co-pilot reportedly shouted for someone to kill him. Netanyahu also stated that personal information gathered during questioning led Israel to conclude the co-pilot underwent Islamist radical indoctrination. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz labeled the incident an attempted jihadist terror attack, while President Trump suggested a possible link to Iran. Israeli security officials investigated whether it could be a Sept. 11-style terror plot and whether the attacker acted alone. Following initial questioning by Saudi authorities, a senior Israeli official reported that UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan expected the suspect to be transferred to the UAE. The Associated Press reported Thursday afternoon that Saudi Arabia had transferred the co-pilot to the UAE.
Source: cbsnews.com
