Flydubai co-pilot: Australian links probed after 'axe attack' on captain

Israeli sources have told CNN that the co-pilot accused of attempting to hijack a Flydubai flight and seize control of the aircraft likely acted alone. International investigators are still investigating the motive behind the incident, but according to an Israeli official, the available information suggests the suspect acted alone.

Another Israeli source added that at present, there is no known connection between the suspect and any group or government. The allegations come amid US President Donald Trump's statement that the suspect "could be linked to Iran based on what I’m hearing," though he provided no further details. The incident occurred on Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was en route from Dubai to Israel when the co-pilot, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, allegedly tried to take control of the plane.

Sources report that the plane plummeted thousands of feet, but passengers and crew quickly intervened in the cockpit, regaining control of the aircraft. Al-Hammami, an Omani national, had previously been removed from a job at Oman’s national airline last year due to concerns about his extremist views. Social media posts by the suspect included an image of Ayman al-Zawahiri, who succeeded Osama Bin Laden as the leader of al Qaeda.