knifeman takes female airport staffer hostage in ‘bomb’ standoff

A retired boxing champion displayed extraordinary bravery by rescuing a young security officer held at knifepoint at Almaty Airport.

Musa Abdraim, 52, voluntarily took the place of the 21-year-old female officer who was being held hostage by a 67-year-old man threatening to detonate a bomb. The suspect had grabbed the woman by her hair and brandished a knife, creating panic in the security checkpoint area.

Abdraim, a father of five, stepped in and convinced the attacker to release the security officer. Seizing the opportunity, he grabbed the blade with his bare hands and wrestled the suspect to the ground. Police and airport security then intervened to subdue and detain the man.

According to Abdraim, the attacker claimed he had a detonator on his phone and threatened to trigger an explosion. He initially tried to reason with the suspect but ultimately acted on instinct to disarm him.

Authorities confirmed that the attacker pulled out the knife when asked to present identification. A criminal case has been opened against him, with charges that could result in up to 12 years in prison.

Abdraim, a former boxer and martial artist, has been widely praised for his actions. The President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has announced that he will be awarded a state medal for bravery.

Law enforcement officials commended the swift response of police officers, airport security, and Abdraim in preventing a potential tragedy. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.