CNNYesterday·4 min read·medium

Alleged Flydubai hijacker said 9/11 attacks spurred him to become a pilot, early investigation finds - CNN

Eyad Kourdi, Hira Humayun

✦AI Summary

A preliminary investigation reveals that the suspect in a Flydubai hijacking attempt was inspired by the 9/11 attacks to pursue an aviation career. The suspect intended to crash the plane into Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv to cause mass casualties.

Why it matters

This case underscores the persistent threat of aviation terrorism and the long-term radicalization impact of historical extremist events.

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The alleged Flydubai hijacker had planned to crash the plane into Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv and was inspired by the 9/11 attacks, a preliminary investigation has found. Hamam al-Hammami, the suspect in the hijacking attempt and co-pilot on board last week’s flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, wanted to carry out a similar attack to September 11, 2001, which led him to pursue an aviation career, according to a statement from the United Arab Emirates’ Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi shared by Emirati state media. “The idea of carrying out a similar operation using an aircraft became firmly established in his mind, which, according to his confessions, was connected to his decision to pursue a career in aviation,” Friday’s statement said.

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