The UAE has called the hijack attempt on a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight an act of terrorism and praised the courage of Indian Captain Smit Machchhar for saving the lives of 172 people on board.

Presidential Advisor Anwar Garghash, in a post on X, also put to rest the nature of the incident and conspiracy theories surrounding it must end, he said ”The Indian pilot at flyDubai, Smit Mathur, deserves every bit of appreciation, for he embodied the meaning of courage and responsibility in the face of a dangerous terrorist act and a potential disaster.”

“His professionalism and moral sense in the darkest of circumstances make him a true hero.”

“Far from the easy reduction of what happened or the adoption and promotion of conspiracy theories, vigilance and caution remain essential in confronting the risks of extremism and terrorism,” he added. – editor@nrifocus.com