A terrifying hostage incident took place at Almaty International Airport in Kazakhstan when a man held a young female security officer at knifepoint and threatened to detonate a bomb.
The event unfolded at the airport’s security checkpoint after the man, reportedly 67 years old, was asked to show his ID.
Instead of complying, he pulled out a knife and grabbed 21-year-old officer Botagoz Mukhtarova by the hair. Following this, the airport was in chaos, and she could be heard screaming in horror.
He held a knife close to her, and told authorities who watched in shock that he had a bomb he claimed could be set off by pressing a button on his phone.
“I Told Him: Take Me Hostage Instead”
According to the Daily Mail, a 52-year-old man in a brown T-shirt, Musa Abdraim, who was at the airport to send off his relatives, heard a girl scream, witnessed the situation, and bravely intervened.
“I saw that he was going to stab her,” Abdraim said. “I told him, ‘Take me hostage instead of her.’”
Surprisingly, the attacker agreed. He released the female officer and took hold of Abdraim instead.
Former Boxer Disarms Attacker with Bare Hands
Abdraim, a father of five and former boxer, stood still as the attacker pointed the knife at him. He waited for the right moment, then quickly reached out and grabbed the knife with his bare hands.
A short struggle followed until other airport police and security officers finally rushed in to help restrain the attacker and pinned him down.
Man in Custody, Faces Prison Time
Following this, authorities confirmed that the attacker, a resident of Almaty, was arrested. With the help of Almaty’s airport security officers and Abdraim, police were able to disarm and detain the man. He will face up to 12 years in prison.
President to Award Medal for Bravery
On the other hand, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said Musa Abdraim will be awarded a national medal to honour his bravery.
The incident, which could have ended in tragedy, is now being seen as an example of courage and selflessness.
Watch the video here:
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