Libya’s top army chief dies in fiery plane crash over Turkey
Senior Libyan Command wiped out in Ankara air disaster
Libya’s military has been rocked by tragedy after its top general, Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, was killed in a plane crash near Ankara, Turkey. The Dassault Falcon 50 jet went down shortly after takeoff, killing al-Haddad and four others onboard.
Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah confirmed the death on Tuesday night. The chief of staff had been returning from an official visit to Turkey when contact with the aircraft was suddenly lost.
Onboard were other high-ranking military figures: Libya’s ground forces commander, the military manufacturing authority head, an adviser to the chief of staff, and a military photographer.
Emergency landing requested before crash near Ankara
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya revealed the plane took off from Ankara’s Esenboğa Airport at 17:10 GMT, bound for Tripoli. At 17:52 GMT, it requested an emergency landing near the Haymana district. Minutes later, all contact was lost.
The wreckage was found near Kesikkavak village. The crash cause remains a mystery.
Diplomatic ties and rising tensions
Al-Haddad’s visit to Turkey was part of ongoing military cooperation between the two nations. He met top Turkish defence officials including ministers Yasar Güler and Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu. Turkey has been a major backer of Libya’s Tripoli government since 2020, supplying troops, training, and support.
This disaster comes just days after the Turkish parliament extended their military mission in Libya for another two years. Turkey’s involvement also includes controversial maritime and energy deals opposed by Egypt and Greece.
Prime Minister mourns “grave loss” for Libya
“This grave loss is a great loss for the nation, for the military institution, and for all the people,” said Libya’s Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah.
The crash raises fresh questions about stability in Libya and the region amid rising tensions and ongoing conflict.
