Co-pilot in FlyDubai attack is identified, and other Mideast developments

The co-pilot of Flydubai flight FZ1073 allegedly attempted a "terrorist" attack during the flight, according to the UAE prosecutor general. The incident occurred on Wednesday when the co-pilot, identified as Hammam al-Hammami, an Omani national, attacked the pilot with a crash axe within the cockpit. The crash axe is usually stored in the cockpit for emergency use.

The aircraft was en route from the UAE to Israel with over 170 passengers and crew on board. Passengers and crew members subdued the co-pilot, averting a potential disaster. Israeli officials reported that the attack was an apparent attempt to crash the plane. After the incident, the reserve Flydubai pilot took control and safely landed the aircraft at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia, where the co-pilot was later detained by Saudi authorities.

Flydubai stated that they were still investigating the circumstances and had no further comment. According to Israeli sources, Israeli investigators would join the UAE-led investigation to examine the incident, the suspect's motives, and background. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed that the co-pilot had undergone radical Islamist indoctrination and might have acted under direction.

Netanyahu also mentioned that the co-pilot appeared suicidal but that a motive had not been confirmed. Most passengers on board were Israeli nationals, and the flight route was popular among Israeli travelers.