The dramatic Flydubai cockpit incident that saw an injured captain fight to regain control of his aircraft has taken a new turn after US President Donald Trump raised the possibility of a connection between the co-pilot and Iran.
The development comes a day after reports emerged that Captain Smit Machchhar was attacked inside the cockpit of Flydubai Flight FZ1073 while the aircraft was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Machchhar, an Indian commercial pilot and former SpiceJet commander, was reportedly injured during the confrontation but managed to regain access to the cockpit. The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Saudi Arabia, where both pilots received medical treatment.
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Trump Raises Possible Iran Connection
Trump was asked at the White House on Thursday whether he had been briefed about possible links between the co-pilot and Tehran.
“We’re working on it right now,” Trump said.
When asked whether the information indicated a connection to Iran, Trump responded that, based on what he was hearing, the answer was yes.
However, the US president did not provide details about the information behind the claim, and investigators have not publicly confirmed that Iran was involved in the incident.
Trump also said Iran would face severe consequences if it were established that the country had been behind the attack.
What Happened on the Flydubai Flight?
The incident occurred aboard Boeing 737 Flight FZ1073, which was carrying 174 passengers and eight crew members on its journey from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
According to preliminary information released by Saudi authorities, the captain was assaulted by his co-pilot, with both pilots suffering injuries.
Israeli officials have identified the co-pilot as an Omani national and alleged that he stabbed Machchhar before attempting to bring down the aircraft.
During the confrontation, the plane reportedly lost almost 14,000 feet in a short period.
Despite being injured, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door. Crew members and passengers then entered the cockpit, restrained the attacker and helped restore control of the aircraft.
The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where the two pilots were taken to hospital.
Saudi authorities later said both men left the country for Abu Dhabi after their conditions improved. They were accompanied by a UAE security team.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs also confirmed that Machchhar was transferred to Abu Dhabi for further medical treatment.
Investigation Continues
The circumstances surrounding the attack remain under investigation.
The UAE attorney general has ordered a probe into the incident, including whether it involved terrorism, prior planning or direction from another party.
The identity of the co-pilot has not been publicly disclosed by UAE authorities, while investigators have yet to establish a definitive motive.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has separately alleged that the co-pilot had undergone Islamist radical indoctrination. However, Netanyahu has also acknowledged that it is too early to determine whether Iran was involved.
At present, there is no publicly disclosed evidence establishing that Iran directed or participated in the attack.
Captain Machchhar Recovering
Machchhar remains in Abu Dhabi receiving medical treatment as authorities continue examining the events inside the aircraft and the background of the co-pilot.
The investigation is expected to focus on how the confrontation began, what motivated the alleged attack and whether anyone else was involved.
The latest claims have added an international dimension to an incident that began as a mid-air cockpit confrontation and forced a passenger aircraft carrying more than 170 people into an emergency diversion.
For now, authorities are continuing to investigate, while the possible Iran connection remains unconfirmed.
Source: Outlook
Culled by ED O Mike
