‌🔻The UAE Attorney General said the co-pilot of a Flydubai flight intended to carry out a “terrorist” attack. This is the first time that UAE officials have described the incident as “terrorist.”

According to the UAE’s official news agency, Hamad Saif Shamsi said that the co-pilot attacked the pilot with a special axe for emergencies (safety axe) and tried to take control of the aircraft.

The safety axe is kept in the cockpit for emergency situations, such as the danger of an aircraft crash.

He added that investigations are ongoing to determine the details of the incident, the motive, and any possible connections, and to examine the evidence.

Reuters, citing a knowledgeable source, identified the co-pilot as Hamam Al Hamami, an Omani national.

So far, UAE authorities have not responded to requests for official confirmation of his identity. 📷Anadolu via Getty