Libya’s army chief, General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, was killed when the Falcon 50 jet he and four others were traveling in crashed in central Turkey, Turkish authorities and Libyan officials said.
The aircraft was en route from Ankara to Tripoli when contact was lost about 42 minutes after takeoff. Officials said the jet had requested an emergency landing before it went down; searchers later found wreckage southwest of Ankara near the village of Kesikkavak. An investigation into the cause of the crash has been launched.
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Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh described al-Haddad’s death as a “great loss” for the nation, saying the general and his delegation had been in Turkey for talks aimed at strengthening military and security cooperation between the two countries. No further details on the other passengers or their nationalities were released immediately.
Turkish authorities are leading the on-site response and the initial phases of the probe, according to official statements. Investigators typically examine flight recorders, maintenance records, air traffic control communications and weather conditions as part of standard accident inquiries; however, Turkish officials have not yet disclosed specific findings or a timeline for results.
The loss of the army chief comes as Libya continues to navigate a fragile political and security landscape. Al-Haddad’s role and the circumstances of the delegation’s visit to Ankara were cited by Libyan officials as part of ongoing efforts to bolster ties with Turkey on defence and security matters.
- Who: General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad and four others
- Aircraft: Falcon 50 jet
- Route: Ankara, Turkey → Tripoli, Libya
- When contact lost: about 42 minutes after takeoff
- Crash site: southwest of Ankara, near Kesikkavak village
- Status: Investigation launched; details pending
Libyan authorities and families of the victims are expected to receive further information as Turkish investigators complete initial forensic and technical examinations. Officials in both countries will likely coordinate on repatriation and any follow-up diplomatic engagements tied to the delegation’s mission.
By Newsroom Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
