News|ExplainerLibyan army chief killed in plane crash: What we know so farLibya mourns military chief Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, who was seen as a unifying figure amid deep political divisions.
The Chief of Staff of the Libyan Army, Lieutenant General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, has been killed in a plane crash in Turkiye. He was returning from an official visit to Ankara when the incident occurred.
The Chief of Staff of the Libyan Army, Lieutenant General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, has been killed in a plane crash in Turkiye. He was returning from an official visit to Ankara when the incident occurred.
According to Turkish officials, the private aircraft bound for Tripoli on Tuesday requested an emergency landing due to an electrical failure shortly after takeoff, before losing contact. The crash resulted in the deaths of four senior Libyan military officials and three crew members. In response, the Libyan government has declared three days of national mourning.
General al-Haddad served as Libya’s Chief of the General Staff, the highest-ranking military position in the country. He was instrumental in efforts to unify Libya’s armed forces under the United Nations-recognised Government of National Unity (GNU) in Tripoli.
Turkiye’s head of communications reported that the Dassault Falcon 50 jet departed Ankara Esenboga Airport at 17:17 GMT. At 17:33 GMT, it declared an emergency due to an electrical issue. The aircraft lost communication at 17:36 GMT while descending towards Esenboga. The crash site was located near Kesikkavak village, and the investigation is ongoing with four appointed prosecutors leading the probe.
The Chief of Staff of the Libyan Army, Lieutenant General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, has been killed in a plane crash in Turkiye.
In addition to General al-Haddad, the crash claimed the lives of:
General al-Fitouri Ghraibil, head of Libya’s ground forces. Brigadier General Mahmoud al-Qatawi, director of the Military Manufacturing Authority. Muhammad al-Asawi Diab, senior military adviser. Muhammad Omar Ahmed Mahjoub, a military photographer.
Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah described the incident as a significant loss for the nation and the military. Commander Khalifa Haftar from the eastern Libyan armed forces expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences.
The Government of National Unity has announced a three-day mourning period, suspending all official ceremonies. General Salah Eddine al-Namrush has been appointed as the acting chief of staff until a permanent replacement is named.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
