Investigation Into FlyDubai Attacker Puts Spotlight on an Australian Mosque

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   UAE Alleges FlyDubai Co-Pilot Planned Suicide Attack on Tel Aviv Airport

   An Omani FlyDubai co-pilot attempted to crash Flight 1073 into Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, according to the United Arab Emirates. The aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia following a cockpit assault. UAE investigators claim the suspect was radicalized in Australia and aimed to execute a 9/11-style suicide attack. The investigation has shifted focus to a Melbourne mosque, MyCentre, where the suspect allegedly visited and met radicalized individuals. The mosque's leader, Samir Mohtadi, denies any connection to the suspect.

   Why it matters

   This incident represents a severe breach of cockpit security and a targeted terror threat against Israel's primary aviation hub. It highlights the role of international travel and overseas religious centers in the radicalization process. The case has drawn criticism from security experts regarding the efficacy of current counter-terrorism strategies.

   What is confirmed

   • The UAE claims a FlyDubai co-pilot planned a suicide attack on Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.
   • Flight 1073 made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after an assault in the cockpit.
   • The suspect is an Omani national.
   • The UAE alleges the suspect began a drift toward extremism and terrorism while in Australia.
   • Samir Mohtadi, also known as Abu Hamza, is the leader of the Melbourne-based MyCentre.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The suspect stated that the September 11 attacks inspired him to become a pilot.
   • The suspect admitted to visiting a Melbourne mosque and meeting people linked to the religious center.

   What to watch next

   • Verification of the suspect's attendance records at MyCentre in Melbourne.
   Sources used for this update (22)

   1. www.nytimes.com — The New York Times - Breaking News, US News, World News and Videos
   2. www.wionews.com — Flydubai Flight 1073: How an in-flight brawl became a ... - WION
   3. CNN — Alleged Flydubai hijacker planned ‘suicide attack’ on Tel Aviv’s airport, early investigation finds
   4. WSJ — FlyDubai Co-Pilot Planned to Crash Into Israeli Airport, U.A.E. Says
   5. Reuters — UAE says Omani flydubai co-pilot planned suicide attack on Tel Aviv flight
   6. The Washington Post — FlyDubai co-pilot planned 9/11-style attack on Israel’s main airport, UAE says
   7. The Times of Israel — UAE confirms flydubai copilot was planning 9/11-style ‘suicide attack’ on Ben Gurion Airport
   8. Fox News — Rescue expert warns FlyDubai hijacking attempt shows US, allies are ‘playing checkers’ against terror threat
   9. The New York Times — Investigation into FlyDubai Attacker Puts Spotlight on a Melbourne Mosque
   10. The Guardian — Melbourne Islamic leader silent on centre’s alleged Flydubai hijacker links in Facebook video
   11. Al Jazeera — Melbourne man linked to flydubai attack suspect rejects ‘false accusations’
   12. CNN — Alleged Flydubai hijacker said 9/11 attacks spurred him to become a pilot, early investigation finds
   confidence 90%