US Congress moves to honour Indian pilot Smit Machchhar who foiled flydubai attack
Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who helped avert what UAE authorities have classified as a terrorist attack aboard a flydubai flight to Tel Aviv, is now being formally recognised in the US Congress.
A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has introduced a House resolution honouring Machchhar, along with the crew and passengers of flydubai Flight 1073, for their actions during the September 30 incident.
The resolution, H. Res. 1612, was introduced on October 5 by New Jersey Congressman Josh Gottheimer and referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Republicans Michael McCaul and Don Bacon are also listed as co-sponsors of the resolution. It specifically praises Machchhar for his "extraordinary courage" in protecting those on board and recognises the off-duty pilots, cabin crew and passengers who helped secure the cockpit and bring the aircraft safely to the ground.PROBE TURNS TO ATTACKER'S BACKGROUND
The congressional move comes as investigators continue examining what happened inside the Boeing 737 and the background of the attacker. Multiple sources have identified the first officer as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, although authorities have not publicly confirmed all details surrounding his identity.
The investigation is no longer limited to the events that unfolded during the flight. Authorities in several countries are examining his movements, education, training and possible links to extremist activity.
New Zealand Police said on Tuesday that the co-pilot completed part of his flight training in the country between November 2018 and May 2019. New Zealand authorities are now reviewing his activities during that period.
Australian counterterrorism authorities are also examining possible links to Australia. Reports have said the suspect studied there after entering the country on a student visa.
CBS News separately reported that UAE interrogators were told the attacker had planned the operation before joining flydubai and intended to crash the aircraft into Israel's Ben Gurion Airport.
Those claims remain part of the ongoing investigation and have not been independently established.
The emerging international probe is therefore examining more than the attack itself. Investigators are seeking to establish what may have motivated the attacker, whether he had extremist connections and whether anyone else knew about or assisted in the plot.CALLS FOR TRUMP TO HONOUR HERO PILOT
The US congressional resolution follows calls for Machchhar to receive recognition from the highest levels of the American government. Conservative activist Laura Loomer recently urged US President Donald Trump to honour the Indian pilot personally.
Speaking to India Today, Loomer described Machchhar as a "brave hero" and said his actions deserved recognition at the highest level.
She also suggested inviting Machchhar and others who helped restrain the attacker to the upcoming G20 summit in Miami. Loomer proposed a ceremony involving Trump, Modi and Netanyahu to honour those who helped prevent the aircraft from becoming a mass-casualty attack.
"These heroes" should be invited to the G20, Loomer argued, specifically pointing to Machchhar and the passengers who helped overpower the attacker.HOW FLYDUBAI PLANE PLUNGED 14,000 FEET
flydubai Flight FZ1073 was carrying 174 people, including 27 children and four US citizens, when the Omani national, Hamam al-Hammami, attacked Machchhar in the cockpit with an emergency crash axe.
The aircraft plunged more than 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar managed to fight back and unlock the cockpit door. That allowed off-duty pilots on board to enter and help the crew regain control of the situation.
Passengers and crew members then joined the effort to restrain the first officer.
The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Everyone on board was accounted for. The UAE Attorney General later said the investigation had concluded that the first officer had attempted to carry out a terrorist act.
Machchhar has since spoken about the ordeal from his hospital bed. In a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Indian pilot said that despite his injuries, he knew he could not allow the passengers to die.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Machchhar via video call from his hospital bed in Abu Dhabi and praised his courage, presence of mind and composure during the ordeal, while Netanyahu also publicly praised the pilot for his actions.- Ends
Rohit Sharma is an award-winning journalist residing in Washington DC. Β His expertise and insightful pieces are regularly showcased on esteemed news channels and news websites.
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