UAE Presidential Adviser Calls Flydubai Attack Terrorism, Praises Indian Captain

Anwar Gargash, an adviser to UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed, described the attack aboard a Flydubai flight bound for Israel as terrorism in a statement reported Friday. He praised Indian captain Smit Machchhar for confronting a dangerous terrorist act and a potential disaster, citing his courage, professional responsibility and moral resolve under extreme conditions. Gargash called the captain a true hero after he opened the cockpit doors while under attack. He also urged vigilance against extremism and terrorism, while cautioning against simplistic explanations and conspiracy theories.