Trump promises tough response if Iran linked to Flydubai incident — Asharq Al-Awsat
US President Donald Trump said in Washington that Iran would face a “very tough” strike if Tehran’s connection to the co-pilot of a Flydubai flight from the United Arab Emirates to Tel Aviv, who is suspected of attempting to cause the aircraft to crash, is established. Asharq Al-Awsat reported this, citing a statement by the US president at the White House.
When journalists asked about Iran’s possible involvement, Trump replied that this was currently being determined. He added that, according to information he was receiving, the answer could be affirmative, but did not explain the grounds for such suspicions.
Incident aboard the aircraft
The aircraft was carrying 182 people, mostly passengers from Israel, from the UAE to Tel Aviv. According to passengers’ accounts, the co-pilot wounded the aircraft’s captain, an Indian citizen, after which the airliner began rapidly losing altitude. The bloodied crew commander managed to open the cockpit door, passengers entered, fought with the co-pilot and helped stabilize the aircraft.
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During the steep descent, the aircraft’s directional control broke off. The aircraft was landed in Saudi Arabia, and the suspect was handed over to UAE authorities. Captain Smith Machchar is recovering in Abu Dhabi.
Investigation continues
A regional official familiar with the investigation said that investigators are considering all versions, from a terrorist motive to a mental disorder. According to him, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the United States and Oman are taking part in establishing the circumstances.
UAE authorities have launched their own investigation, including into a possible terrorist motive. Emirati authorities have jurisdiction because the aircraft is registered in the UAE and local legislation applies to crimes aboard it. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, without providing details, that the attacker had undergone extremist indoctrination, but noted that it was too early to speak of Iran’s possible involvement.
