Libya’s Army Chief Killed in Plane Crash in Turkey

Libya’s Army Chief Mohamed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad has died in a plane crash near Ankara, Turkish and Libyan officials confirm. The aircraft lost contact minutes after takeoff from Esenboğa Airport while heading to Tripoli. The crash happened hours after a key Turkey-Libya military decision.

Libya’s Army Chief, Mohamed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad, died after his aircraft crashed shortly after leaving Ankara, Turkey. The plane was flying from Ankara Esenboğa Airport to Tripoli. Five people were on board. All died.

Turkish officials said the aircraft took off at 8:10 pm. It lost contact at 8:52 pm. The crew had tried to land shortly after departure. Then the signal went silent.

Several hours later, rescue teams found the wreckage. The aircraft was a Dassault Falcon 50. Authorities located it in the Hemana district, on the outskirts of Ankara. Turkish media confirmed the discovery.

The Libyan Prime Minister later confirmed the Army Chief’s death. He said Al-Haddad was returning home after an official visit to Turkey.

Others killed in the crash included the Commander of Libya’s Ground Forces, the Director of the Military Manufacturing Authority, an advisor to the Chief of Staff, and the Chief of Staff Office photographer.

During his visit, Al-Haddad met Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler and senior military officials. The meetings focused on defense coordination and security ties.

Just one day before the crash, Turkey’s parliament approved an extension of Turkish troop deployment in Libya for two more years.

After the emergency alert, Turkish authorities closed Esenboğa Airport for flight operations. Search teams moved fast, but the outcome was fatal.

Investigators have not confirmed the cause of the crash. Officials say the inquiry continues.