Ax-wielding FlyDubai co-pilot had been flagged over extremism concerns

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1. 46m ago

   Omani Co-Pilot Flagged for Extremism After FlyDubai Ax Attack

   The United Arab Emirates has labeled an attack by a FlyDubai co-pilot on his captain as a terrorist act. The co-pilot, identified as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, used a cockpit crash ax to attack the captain and attempt to seize control of an Israel-bound flight carrying 182 people. Sources indicate al-Hammami had previously been barred from flying by Oman due to concerns over his extremist views. Investigations are currently determining if he acted alone or had links to extremist groups.

   Why it matters

   The incident nearly resulted in a crash of a commercial aircraft. The attack occurred on a flight destined for Israel, adding geopolitical sensitivity to the security breach.

   What is confirmed

   • The UAE government classified the co-pilot's attack on the captain as a terrorist act.
   • The co-pilot used a crash ax from the cockpit to attack the captain.
   • The flight had 182 people on board and was bound for Israel.
   • The suspect was an Omani national who had been barred from flying by Oman over extremist concerns.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The suspect's name is Hamam al-Hammami.
   • The suspect was removed by another airline due to his extremist views.

   What to watch next

   • Official confirmation of the suspect's identity by UAE or Omani authorities.
   • Findings on whether the co-pilot had active links to specific extremist organizations.
   • Details on how a flagged individual obtained a co-pilot position at FlyDubai.
   Sources used for this update (15)

   1. The New York Times — The Mother’s Scream That Sent Passengers to the Rescue
   2. CNN — The Flydubai attack suspect was removed by another airline over concerns about his extremist views, sources say
   3. WSJ — FlyDubai Co-Pilot Used Crash Ax in Attack, Says U.A.E.
   4. AP News — Ax-wielding FlyDubai co-pilot had been flagged over extremism concerns
   5. The Hill — Trump thanks man who helped save Flydubai flight: ‘What a job he did, he’s a hero’
   6. CNBC — FlyDubai plane attack by co-pilot was an attempted 'terrorist' act, UAE says
   7. The Washington Post — FlyDubai copilot used crash ax to attempt ‘terrorist act,’ UAE says
   8. People.com — Friends of Pilot Stabbed in ‘Terrorist’ Attack Reflect on Moment They Learned of Hijacking
   9. WSJ — From a Love of Flying to a Midair Attack: What We Know About the FlyDubai Co-Pilot
   10. sentinelcolorado.com — Axe-wielding FlyDubai co-pilot had been flagged over extremism concerns - Sentinel Colorado
   11. www.adn.com — Ax-wielding FlyDubai co-pilot had been flagged over extremism concerns - Anchorage Daily News
   12. www.whec.com — Ax-wielding FlyDubai co-pilot had been flagged over extremism concerns - WHEC.com
   confidence 90%