Israeli Officials Call Flydubai Hijack Attempt a Terrorist Act
Israeli defense minister labels diverted flydubai flight incident as jihadist attack thwarted by passengers.
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Israeli officials have confirmed that a flydubai flight en route to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia after a co-pilot attempted to hijack the plane by stabbing the captain, according to preliminary reports. The incident, which unfolded on Wednesday morning, was described as an “attempted jihadist terrorist attack” by Israel Defense Minister Israel Katz.
Passengers and Crew Thwart Attack
The flight, which departed from the United Arab Emirates, issued a hijacking signal as the plane began to descend rapidly. According to flight-tracking data from Flightradar24, the aircraft plummeted nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. Israeli passengers and crew members reportedly rushed into the cockpit to confront the assailant, neutralizing the threat and preventing a potential disaster.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the plane was diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely with all passengers accounted for. He praised the bravery of the Israeli passengers and crew, who managed to break into the cockpit and stabilize the aircraft.
Attack Details and Interrogation
Netanyahu described the incident in detail, stating that the attacker had attempted to sabotage the plane’s systems before being subdued. He also confirmed that the perpetrator is currently in Saudi custody and being interrogated. Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev has requested that Shin Bet, Israel’s security agency, halt flydubai flights into and out of the country, citing concerns over the attacker’s nationality, which is believed to be Omani based on initial investigations.
The incident has raised questions about aviation security and the potential for similar threats in the future. Netanyahu emphasized the importance of vigilance and the role of ordinary citizens in preventing large-scale tragedies.
Source: OANN
