Pilot Arrested for Alleged Jihadist Terrorist Attack Attempt on Flydubai Jet
Israeli officials state the co-pilot stabbed the pilot and intended to crash the plane with 174 people on board.
Israeli leaders announced the arrest of a flydubai co-pilot accused of attempting a "jihadist terrorist attack" by stabbing the pilot and trying to crash a Boeing 737 Max jet carrying 174 passengers. The aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that initial information indicated the suspect's sole intention was to crash the plane. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the co-pilot's arrest and ongoing questioning in Saudi Arabia. Netanyahu praised the Israeli passengers who intervened, describing their actions as demonstrating "extraordinary resourcefulness and courage" in overpowering the alleged attacker and preventing a major disaster.
The suspect, reportedly of Omani descent, stabbed the pilot during the flight as the plane approached Israel. The intervention by passengers allowed another flight crew member to regain control of the aircraft. The incident involved 174 people on board, including 27 children.