Flydubai Co-Pilot Radicalized at Australian Islamic Center, UAE Probe Finds

Terrorist Radicalization Traced to Australian Islamic Center

New details have emerged regarding the background of the co-pilot involved in the recent attempted crash of a Flydubai flight. According to a statement from the UAE Attorney General, the Omani co-pilot, Mamdouh al-Hamami, underwent radicalization nearly a decade ago while studying in Australia, rather than solely during recent visits to Syria.

Connections to Melbourne Extremist Network

Al-Hamami resided in Australia between 2015 and 2017, during which time he regularly attended a mosque associated with the Melbourne Royal Institute of Technology (RMIT). Investigations revealed he connected with individuals linked to a center known as "My Centre," headed by Samir Mohtadi, widely known as "Abu Hamza."

Abu Hamza, of Lebanese descent, has a documented history of extremist rhetoric. In sermons documented by local media, he previously referred to Zionists in dehumanizing terms and claimed Australia was waging a war against Islam.

"Oh Allah, cast terror into the hearts of the Zionists. Oh Allah, grant victory to our mujahideen in Palestine, strengthen their footing, and grant them a clear victory," Abu Hamza preached in Melbourne.

Funding and Registered Charity Status

Despite inflammatory statements and calls against Israel and Western values, organizations linked to the network, such as the Islamic Information and Services Network of Australasia (IISNA), have maintained registered charity status and previously received community event support from the Australian government.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that investigations clearly point to an Islamist jihadist brainwashing process behind the attack, emphasizing the transnational threat posed by radical networks operating within Western academic and religious institutions.