New details have emerged about the Flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of a flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. CNN reported that images of two Al Qaeda-linked figures appeared on a social media account associated with the suspect. According to the report, a video posted on the account ended with photographs of Ayman al-Zawahiri and Humam Khalil Abu-Mulal al-Balawi. Al-Zawahiri became the leader of Al Qaeda after the death of Osama bin Laden. Al-Balawi carried out a suicide bombing in 2009 that killed nine people. The victims included seven American CIA officers and contractors. CNN reported that al-Balawi was loyal to Al Qaeda. The new information adds to the investigation into the September 30 incident involving the Flydubai flight. Sources cited by CNN identified the co-pilot as Omani citizen Hamam al-Hammami. The report said he had previously been removed from flight training at Oman’s national airline after concerns were raised about views that sources described as extremist or radical.

Al Qaeda-Linked Images Reportedly Appeared in Video

CNN reported that one video linked to al-Hammami contained footage from an aircraft cockpit. The flight number and date could reportedly be seen on the cockpit display. The video also showed aircraft operated by Israeli airlines, according to the report. It later ended with photographs of al-Zawahiri and al-Balawi. CNN identified al-Zawahiri as the Al Qaeda leader who succeeded bin Laden and al-Balawi as the man behind the 2009 suicide attack. Another social media post reportedly showed an AI-generated image featuring Islam’s three holiest sites in Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. A poem accompanying the image referred to rejecting humiliation, having no fear of death and protecting one’s dignity. The social media accounts linked to the suspect have since been deleted, CNN reported.

Co-Pilot Had Earlier Been Barred From Flying in Oman

The new revelations have increased scrutiny of the co-pilot’s background and how he later secured employment with Flydubai. The Associated Press reported that Oman had previously barred him from flying because of concerns that he had adopted extremist views. A person familiar with the matter told AP that he was later employed by the UAE-based airline. The person spoke anonymously because the investigation is still underway. AP said it was not immediately known how extensive the background checks were when the co-pilot was hired in the UAE. The Wall Street Journal first reported that Oman had prevented him from flying, according to AP. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the co-pilot had undergone “Islamist radicalisation," but AP noted that he has not provided evidence publicly to support the claim. Netanyahu also said investigators were looking into whether the suspect may have been acting on instructions from another person.

Flydubai Aircraft Plunged During Cockpit Attack

The incident took place aboard a Boeing 737 carrying 182 people. The aircraft had 174 passengers and eight crew members, according to AP. The flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the situation reportedly escalated more than two hours after departure. AP reported that the aircraft suddenly descended to 16,600 feet. It then climbed to 21,725 feet before descending again. The aircraft later remained at around 15,000 feet before making a safe landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Captain Smit Machchhar suffered serious injuries during the alleged cockpit attack. Despite his injuries, he managed to open the cockpit door. Passengers then entered the cockpit and restrained the co-pilot. According to reports, passengers used headphones to tie the suspect’s hands. A dentist travelling on the aircraft treated the injured captain. AP reported that passengers seated near the front of the aircraft did not see a knife or another weapon during the incident. Machchhar is currently recovering at a hospital in Abu Dhabi. During a televised video call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the captain described the attack and said, “I was fighting for my life." AP reported that Machchhar became emotional and broke down in tears while describing the ordeal.