The co-pilot of flydubai Flight 1073, which was traveling from Dubai to Israel, allegedly attacked the pilot with an emergency crash axe, according to the United Arab Emirates prosecutor general, who described the incident as a “terrorist attack,” Reuters reported.
Two sources familiar with the investigation identified the co-pilot as Hammam al-Hammami, an Omani national. UAE authorities have not publicly confirmed his identity, while Reuters was unable to independently contact him for comment. Omani authorities have not commented.
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Flydubai said a full investigation into the incident was underway.
Two sources briefed on the investigation said al-Hammami had studied at a university in Melbourne, the capital of the Australian state of Victoria. Australian media reported that he attended RMIT University, which declined to comment to Reuters.
“The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (VIC JCTT), comprising the AFP, Victoria Police and ASIO, can confirm it is investigating the man’s links to Australia,” an Australian Federal Police spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said further information would be provided at an appropriate time.
The Financial Times reported Sunday that al-Hammami had allegedly visited radical mosques and extremist websites while in Australia, citing two people familiar with the investigation. The report also said Australian intelligence services had previously held a file on him.
Reuters could not independently verify those claims. The Australian government did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside business hours.
