Authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have confirmed the detention of two Maldivian co-pilots employed by flydubai in connection with the September 30 security incident aboard flight FZ1073, which involved an attack on the Indian Captain, Smit Machchaar.
The two state-backed flight crew members were taken into custody on October 3. Their detention comes as investigators oaden their probe into the background and associates of the Omani co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami, who carried out the attack on Captain Machchaar.
Investigators have revealed that the two Maldivian nationals maintained close personal and professional ties with al-Hammami. Reports indicate that they worked together, shared flight shifts, and may have even resided in the same residential building.
Counter-terrorism officials are currently interrogating the detained pilots to establish the exact nature and frequency of their contact with the attacker. The investigation covers shared flights, social gatherings, and private digital communications. The aim is to determine if al-Hammami ever expressed extremist views, discussed martyrdom, or referenced 9/11-style attacks to them.
These detentions mark a significant step in the investigation to understand any potential support network or accomplices the attacker may have had. The original incident was a major security each for the airline, and the ongoing probe is focused on identifying any wider threats.
Source: Media reports
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