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Flydubai: The incident involving the attack on Indian Captain Smit Machhar aboard a Flydubai ( Flydubai) flight is becoming increasingly serious. As the investigation progresses, questions are arising regarding the intentions of the Omani co-pilot, Hamam Al-Hammami. Hamam attacked Captain Smit in the cockpit and attempted to seize control of the aircraft. According to claims linked to the investigation, Hamam had long been planning to target a flight bound for Israel.
It has now been revealed that he had previously attempted to crash a plane in a similar manner but failed. UAE agencies are currently interrogating Hamam, and the revelations he has made during questioning are shocking. He had been planning to crash an Israel-bound flight for years. He wanted to become a pilot for an airline that operates flights to Israel; consequently, he deliberately secured a pilot’s position at Flydubai as part of his scheme. He then set about trying to execute his sinister plans.
Captain Smit briefed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the events that unfolded inside the cockpit. According to him, Hammami left his seat in the cockpit under the pretext of offering prayers. After performing his prayers, he attacked Captain Smit. Smit sustained serious injuries in the attack and suffered heavy bleeding from a head wound.
Attempting to open the cockpit door despite being injured:
Even after the attack, Captain Smit did not lose his resolve. He realized that if the attacker gained control of the aircraft, the passengers’ lives could be in danger. Smit attempted to open the cockpit door. Although the door was shut again after the first attempt, he tried a second time. This time, the door opened, and passengers managed to enter the cockpit and overpower the attacker. Following this action, the aircraft was safely diverted, averting a major disaster.
**Investigating agencies face multiple questions regarding Hammam**
The investigation into the incident now encompasses Hammam al-Hammami’s past activities and his aviation career. Agencies are trying to determine whether he had planned the attack in advance and if anyone else was involved in the conspiracy. A central question in the investigation is how Hammam managed to gain access to the cockpit of an Israel-bound flight despite security checks.
**Investigation into Australian connection**
Hammam’s past ties to Australia are also being investigated. Reports indicate that he studied in Melbourne about a decade ago and was associated with RMIT University. Australian investigative agencies are currently gathering information on his contacts and activities during that period. His alleged links to radical elements are also being probed.
**Netanyahu invites Captain Smit to Israel**
Impressed by Captain Smit’s bravery, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with him. Netanyahu invited him to Israel and thanked him for his courage. It is reported that Netanyahu wants Captain Smit to attend Israel’s Independence Day celebrations and light a torch during the traditional ceremony. There are also reports that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to attend this event. ‘Thank You Hero’ Posters on Israeli Streets
The impact of Captain Smit’s bravery is evident in Israel as well. Reports indicate that posters honoring him, featuring messages like “Thank You Hero” in Hindi, have been put up in various parts of the country. The Indian community has also organized events in his honor and is praying for his speedy recovery.
Israeli Ambassador Calls Him a ‘Real Hero’
Reuven Azar, Israel’s Ambassador to India, has also praised Captain Smit’s bravery. He noted that, in addition to saving the lives of passengers, Smit drew attention to potential vulnerabilities in aviation security.
Yossi Abraham-Shelly, Israel’s Ambassador to the UAE, also visited Captain Smit in the hospital. Describing him as a “real hero,” he wished him a speedy recovery.
Conversation with Prime Minister Modi
Captain Smit also spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the conversation, he recounted the struggle inside the cockpit and the efforts he made to save the aircraft. His attempt to open the cockpit door, despite being critically injured during the attack, is being hailed as the most significant act of his bravery.
Mention of Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa
Captain Smit also spoke about remembering Lord Hanuman and reciting the Hanuman Chalisa during that perilous time. He stated that his faith gave him the courage to face that extremely difficult situation. This aspect of his experience has also sparked widespread discussion on social media in India.
