By Ado Oyeyemi
US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran could face severe retaliation if investigations establish a link between Tehran and an alleged attack on a flydubai flight bound for Israel.
The warning followed Wednesday’s incident in which the co-pilot of the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight allegedly attacked the captain, triggering a struggle for control of the aircraft before passengers intervened.
The plane, carrying mostly Israeli passengers, subsequently made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, while the passengers were later flown back to Israel on a replacement aircraft.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, Trump was asked whether Iran was involved in the incident.
“I would say the answer, based on what I’m hearing, is yes, but we’re working on it right now,” he said.
Asked whether the United States would retaliate if Iran was found to be responsible, Trump replied, “Oh, they’ll be hit very hard, don’t worry.”
Trump’s remarks came amid reports of increased US military preparations in the Middle East. Axios reported that the United States had deployed additional Patriot missile batteries to Saudi Arabia and Qatar to strengthen protection around strategic energy facilities against possible Iranian retaliation.
The report also said the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier and its accompanying strike group were heading towards the Middle East, potentially joining two other US carrier groups already operating in the region.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates has launched an investigation into the incident, including whether it was connected to terrorism. Saudi authorities said the co-pilot was handed over to the UAE on Thursday with an Emirati security team.
Saudi Arabia said preliminary findings indicated that the co-pilot had attacked the captain, resulting in a struggle over control of the aircraft and the subsequent emergency landing.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu alleged that the suspect had undergone “Islamist radical indoctrination”. He also said the suspect had shouted, “Kill me, kill me,” during the incident, describing his actions as apparently suicidal.
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The UAE’s chief prosecutor said investigators would examine whether the incident involved terrorist activity or intent. Netanyahu said the UAE would lead the investigation, with Israel participating.
He identified the co-pilot as an Omani national and said Israeli authorities would examine how he was cleared to operate flights into the country despite Israel’s restrictions involving nationals of countries with which it has no diplomatic relations.
Netanyahu earlier praised the Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, and passengers who intervened to prevent what Israeli officials described as an attempted terrorist attack.
Passengers said the aircraft suddenly lost about 17,000 feet in altitude within a minute as the struggle unfolded, according to flight-tracking service Flightradar24.
Machchhar was reportedly injured during the incident. The Indian embassy in the UAE said its ambassador visited him and that the captain was in good health and recovering.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hailed Machchhar as a “HERO”, saying his actions helped save the lives of those on board.
One passenger, Miryam Shira Ohayon, said the aircraft appeared to be “pretty much out of control” during the incident, adding that several passengers rushed to restrain the co-pilot.
Flydubai said another off-duty crew member travelling on the flight helped land the aircraft safely. The airline subsequently announced the suspension of its flights to Israel while investigations continue.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog, meanwhile, said he would honour five Israeli passengers who helped overpower the co-pilot and prevent a potentially catastrophic outcome.
