Australian counter-terrorism team probes Flydubai co-pilot’s reported links
The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team is investigating claims about the co-pilot’s time in Australia. The reports remain unverified, and authorities have not publicly established a motive.
Australian police and intelligence agencies are investigating the reported links to Australia of a Flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking the captain and attempting to seize control of an Israel-bound flight. A spokesperson said the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team is conducting the probe.
Reuters, citing sources briefed on the investigation, reported that the co-pilot studied at a Melbourne university. A source cited by the agency identified RMIT University and said the study was about a decade ago.
The Financial Times, citing two sources familiar with the investigation, reported that he allegedly visited what it described as “radical mosques and extremist websites” in Australia. These claims have not been independently established in the supplied reporting.
Passengers and crew subdued the co-pilot, and a reserve pilot took control before the flight made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
The incident has also prompted scrutiny of flight security arrangements. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a “loophole” may have allowed the Omani co-pilot to join the flight and that Israel would strengthen its checks.
The UAE prosecutor general called the attack an attempted “terrorist act”. The UAE has not publicly established a motive or said whether investigators believe the co-pilot acted alone.
