World·Middle East
Update: UAE opens terrorism probe after Flydubai cockpit attack; Saudi transfers suspect
The United Arab Emirates’ chief prosecutor on Thursday ordered an investigation into Wednesday’s alleged cockpit attack on Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, seeking to determine whether it was linked to “terrorist activity or intent” or involved prior planning, Deutsche Welle reported citing the state news agency WAM. Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry said the suspected Omani co-pilot and the wounded Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, were transferred to Abu Dhabi on Thursday morning with an Emirati security team after medical clearance. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News the suspect appeared to have undergone “Islamist radical indoctrination,” based on personal information gathered in questioning, while saying it was “too early to say” if Iran was involved; CBS News reported 174 people were aboard and that Saudi authorities had held the co-pilot before the transfer.
- Deutsche WelleUAE launches Flydubai hijacking and terrorism investigation
- CBS NewsWhat we're learning about the FlyDubai co-pilot who allegedly stabbed the captain and tried to crash the plane