The man is accused of being responsible for the attack on Alas Chiricanas flight 901, which occurred in 1994 and killed 21 people. According to the Panamanian Foreign Ministry, the decision allows the suspect to be sent to face justice in Panama after years of investigation and diplomatic efforts. His Colombian birth and Venezuelan naturalization complicated the legal process, but extradition was finally approved. The attack occurred on July 19, 1994, when the plane exploded minutes after taking off from Colón. Among the victims were Jewish businessmen returning from commercial activities in the Free Zone. Panamanian authorities have stated that this progress opens the coordination phase for his transfer and prosecution, which could mark a turning point in this historical case. Furthermore, the United States has also shown interest, as there were American citizens among the victims and a reward was offered for information about the suspect. The attack has been linked to the Hezbollah organization and is considered the most serious recorded in Panama, with victims' families demanding justice for years. This process is considered a key step to clarify a case that remained unsolved for decades. The suspect was arrested in November 2025 on Margarita Island, Venezuela, following a red notice requested by Panama from Interpol. The extradition of Ali Zaki Hage Jalil to Panama was approved by the Venezuelan Supreme Court of Justice, in a case that revives one of the bloodiest events in the country's history. There were no survivors.
