Flydubai co-pilot reportedly showed signs of Islamist radicalisation; had expressed pro-Palestinian views

DUBAI: The Omani co-pilot accused of stabbing Indian Captain Smit Machchhar had discussed killing Jews on social media, an Israeli official told The Times of Israel. The official also said the co-pilot’s social media activity indicated that he had been radicalised into jihadist ideology.

An Emirati source reportedly told Israeli news outlet i24NEWS that leaflets and publications from “Free Palestine” groups, along with other pro-Palestinian material, were found among the co-pilot’s belongings. The source also said he had expressed support for Palestinians and hostility towards Israel on several occasions.

After being subdued, the attacker reportedly asked Emirati crew members to kill him, according to accounts cited by The Times of Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu separately said that the Omani co-pilot had undergone “Islamist radical indoctrination”. However, the exact motive behind the attack has not yet been established.