Iranian Terror Tactics Under Scrutiny After Flydubai Hijack Attempt
Experts warn of new terror strategy using radicalized pilots after near-miss on Flydubai flight.
2 min read
Following a narrowly averted disaster on Flydubai flight FZ1073, concerns have grown that Iran may be exploring new tactics to carry out global terror attacks. The incident, where a pilot reportedly attempted to take control of the aircraft, has raised alarms among intelligence experts about the potential use of radicalized pilots in future operations.
Radicalized Pilots as New Terror Weapon?
Miri Eisin, a former Israel Defense Forces colonel and head of Reichman University’s International Institute for Counter-Terrorism, warned that the incident could signal a shift in terrorist tactics. Eisin noted that using a pilot as an attacker provides direct access to the cockpit, which is typically difficult for hijackers to achieve through force. She pointed out that past hijackings, including 9/11, were carried out by individuals who were not pilots, and this could represent a new form of suicide bombing.
Eisin also speculated that the attack could have been orchestrated by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard or Hezbollah, highlighting the regime’s interest in such operations. She emphasized that individuals from all walks of life, including doctors and military leaders, can be radicalized and used for terror.
Experts Warn of Sophisticated Terror Strategy
Oded Ailam, a former deputy head of global operations for Mossad, echoed these concerns, noting that recruiting a pilot for such an attack is a far more complex and sophisticated operation than using a lone individual with a bomb. He suggested that pilots who are radicalized by extremist ideologies or influential figures, such as prominent Iranians calling for violence against Israel, could pose a significant threat.
Ailam also proposed a technological solution, such as allowing crew members to access the cockpit in emergencies, as a potential way to prevent similar incidents in the future. He warned that the combination of terrorism and mental disturbances in pilots could lead to catastrophic outcomes.
International Concerns Over Pilot Radicalization
An Israeli television report revealed that pilots from Iran, Syria, and Iraq have been flying foreign airliners into and out of Israel in recent years. These pilots often hold dual citizenship, which could help them avoid detection. The report raised concerns about the potential for radicalized pilots to carry out attacks on international flights.
Source: Daily Wire
