For the first time, UAE authorities have called the attack on board a FlyDubai plane a terrorist attack.

In his message, Gargash noted Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who, despite his injuries, managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to rush inside and neutralize the attacker.

According to the adviser, the pilot showed “true courage in confronting a serious and potentially catastrophic terrorist attack.” Gargash became the first representative of the UAE leadership to publicly classify the incident as a terrorist attack.

The Saudi Interior Ministry said after an initial investigation that the co-pilot attacked the pilot and both were injured. After receiving medical attention, they were handed over to UAE authorities and flown to Abu Dhabi, accompanied by an Emirati security team. Materials from the initial Saudi investigation have also been transferred to the UAE, where a special investigation team has been created.

The investigation must establish the motive of the co-pilot, find out whether he prepared the attack in advance, whether he acted independently and whether he had connections with terrorist organizations or foreign structures. According to Reuters, the preliminary assessment by Israeli security services is that the attacker most likely acted independently, and there was no evidence of Iranian involvement.

At the same time, a source in the UAE told i24NEWS that among the belongings of the co-pilot, an Omani citizen, materials from organizations operating under the slogan “Free Palestine” and pro-Palestinian publications were found. According to the source, the co-pilot had previously expressed support for the Palestinians and demonstrated hostility towards Israel. The UAE authorities have not yet officially confirmed this information. How such a pilot could be allowed on Israeli flights is unclear.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog previously announced his intention to nominate Yaniv Hayun, Zvika Manes, Asaf Rajuan and Shota Musayev, who participated in rescuing the plane, neutralizing the attacker and assisting the wounded commander, for the presidential award for civilian heroism.