Al-Qaeda calls for fresh terror attacks on US and Israeli flights

A newsletter from a pro-Al-Qaeda publisher has reportedly called for new terror attacks targeting US and Israeli nationals aboard aeroplanes ^[2]. The publication, identified as Al-Yaqin, reportedly praised a recent incident on a FlyDubai flight that occurred on September 30 ^[1].

This newsletter specifically urged further attacks on US and Israeli citizens travelling by air, according to reports ^[1]. The call to action follows the incident described by some outlets as a "hijack attempt" on the FlyDubai plane. The Mirror reported that the newsletter was produced by a pro-Al-Qaeda outlet, while the Daily Star also covered the story, noting the newsletter's reported praise for the FlyDubai incident ^[2].

The Al-Yaqin newsletter, which is produced by a pro-Al-Qaeda outlet, appears to be actively encouraging violence against specific groups of travellers ^[1]. This development raises significant concerns for international air travel security, particularly for those flying on US and Israeli carriers or for nationals of these countries on any flight. The incident on September 30 involving a FlyDubai flight has been highlighted by the group as a point of reference, although the exact details and nature of that event have not been fully confirmed by authorities.

Security experts are likely to be evaluating the implications of such calls for attacks, especially given the historical context of Al-Qaeda's involvement in targeting aviation [1, 2]. The explicit mention of US and Israeli nationals suggests a targeted threat, which could lead to increased security measures for flights associated with these countries or their citizens ^[1]. The timing of the newsletter, shortly after the reported FlyDubai incident, indicates an attempt to capitalize on recent events to propagate its message and incite further acts of terror [1, 2]. This situation underscores the ongoing challenges in combating global terrorism and protecting civilian air travel from such threats.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the specific nature of the FlyDubai incident, which occurred just days ago. The newsletter's release raises concerns about potential threats to air travel.