Dr Anwar Gargash Warns Ongoing Regional Fight Against Extremism Is Far From Over

Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to President Sheikh Mohamed, cautioned on Saturday that the region continues to grapple with extremism and stressed the urgent need to confront radical ideologies. Highlighting the UAE's strict zero-tolerance policy, he warned that using hate speech to justify terrorism remains a critical part of the danger rather than a minor issue.

In a statement shared on social media, the senior Emirati diplomat emphasized that the "latest terrorist operation" serves as a clear reminder that the ongoing "confrontation has not ended." His comments followed an announcement by the UAE's attorney general, Hamad Al Shamsi, who confirmed on Saturday that the co-pilot on a recent flydubai flight diverted to Saudi Arabia had "attempted to carry out a terrorist act."

According to investigations, the co-pilot on flight FZ1073 attacked captain Capt Smit Machchhar on the flight deck using a crash axe—a tool typically kept in the cockpit for emergencies—in an attempt to take control of the aircraft. Dr Gargash noted that the incident highlights the UAE's firm stance against extremism and hate speech, stating that security requires confronting hate at its roots.

Previously, Dr Gargash praised the bravery of Capt Smit Machchhar following the dangerous incident, which resulted in the Boeing 737 plunging 14,000ft. Thanks to the captain's heroic actions, along with assistance from a small group of passengers and a reserve pilot who overpowered the attacker, the aircraft successfully landed in Tabuk, north-western Saudi Arabia, saving the lives of 172 passengers and crew members.