Omani Co-Pilot Planned 9/11-Style Attack on Israeli Airport
UAE investigators reveal Omani co-pilot radicalized in Australia before attempting to hijack Israel-bound flight.
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A UAE attorney general has disclosed that an Omani co-pilot, accused of attempting to hijack an Israel-bound flight, had been radicalizing since his student days in Australia. The suspect, identified as Hammam al-Hammami, reportedly became influenced by takfiri ideology, which justifies violence against those deemed apostates, through extremist literature and online material glorifying terrorist organizations.
Radicalization and Flight Planning
According to UAE investigators, al-Hammami began his radicalization in 2017, attending a mosque affiliated with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, where he was studying mechanical engineering. He became acquainted with individuals associated with an Islamic center known as My Centre, which he claimed was managed by a Lebanese man and received support from an association linked to the Muslim Brotherhood.
The suspect allegedly told investigators that his ambition to carry out a 9/11-style attack was inspired by the 2001 attacks. He reportedly prepared for the attack by increasing his exposure to terrorism-related material and training in boxing under a private coach. The UAE investigation also examined how he was hired by FlyDubai despite the alleged development of extremist beliefs years earlier.
Incident and Aftermath
The incident occurred on September 30 when al-Hammami allegedly attacked the captain with an emergency axe inside the cockpit. The captain resisted, while reserve pilots and cabin crew members intervened to regain control of the plane, which was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. The captain suffered head injuries consistent with an attack using an emergency axe.
The suspect reportedly confessed to planning and carrying out the operation in the presence of his lawyer and with legal safeguards. He claimed to have acted alone, but authorities are continuing to examine possible accomplices or other connections. The investigation also includes a review of recordings, technical reports, and other evidence.
International Relations and Security Concerns
The incident has raised questions about whether warning signs of the suspect’s radicalization were detected or shared among relevant authorities before he was assigned to an Israel-bound flight. The UAE’s findings state that the airline’s hiring checks did not reveal evidence of the alleged plot, though the public account has not established whether other agencies had prior information about the suspect.
Saudi authorities have launched a separate safety investigation into the incident, highlighting ongoing concerns about aviation security and international relations. The case underscores the complexities of monitoring radicalization and ensuring the safety of international travel.
Source: Daily Wire
