Israel Hayom on Saturday, 11 Mehr, citing sources familiar with the investigation, reported that Al-Mami, the co-pilot of a Flydubai flight, lived in Syria for several years, and it is likely that he joined a group that was formed by the Islamic Republic during Bashar al-Assad’s rule.

According to this report, Al-Mami, whose mother is Syrian, became familiar in Syria with ultra-extremist Islamist ideas. The investigation authorities are examining the possible connection between him and the Islamic Republic through that group.

Israel Hayom wrote that Al-Mami, during questioning, said he intended to crash the plane into a ground target in Israel. The investigation is also looking into whether he acted alone or had support from a group.

An Israeli investigative team has gone to the United Arab Emirates to take part in the investigations, and the intelligence services of several countries, including the United States, Oman and Syria, are also participating in the probe of this case.