Israeli Officials Confirm Thwarted Hijack on Flydubai Flight
Israeli officials confirm a hijack attempt was thwarted on a Flydubai flight, with passengers and crew subduing the attacker.
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Israeli officials have confirmed that a violent incident on Flydubai Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv was an attempted hijack that was ultimately thwarted. The incident, which involved a copilot attempting to stab the captain and take control of the plane, was described as a major security threat that was narrowly avoided.
Thwarted Hijack Attempt
The Boeing 737 aircraft, carrying 174 passengers including 166 Israeli nationals, experienced a sudden and steep descent of nearly 14,000 feet within 30 seconds before transmitting an emergency signal. The signal initially indicated a “general emergency” before switching to a code meaning “unlawful interference” with the plane’s operations.
Passengers and crew reportedly joined forces to subdue the attacker, with some brave passengers and qualified pilots traveling on board helping to regain control of the aircraft. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz praised the heroism of the passengers, stating that the attack was a “jihadist terrorist act” that was successfully prevented.
Security and Aftermath
Israeli officials, including the IDF, Mossad, and Shin Bet, have assessed the incident as an act of terror. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that one of the pilots was stabbed by the co-pilot, who apparently attempted to crash the plane. The Israeli government is working to secure the safe return of the passengers, who were forced to land in Saudi Arabia.
However, Saudi Arabia has refused to allow Israeli military planes to land at its airports, prompting discussions about alternative methods to bring the passengers back to Israel. Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Dannon commended the passengers for their “extraordinary determination and resourcefulness” in preventing a major disaster.
International Response
The incident has drawn international attention, with Israeli officials expressing concern over the security of air travel and the potential threat posed by such attacks. The Israeli government has also called for further measures to ensure the safety of passengers and crew on international flights.
Source: Breitbart
