Libya’s top military chief killed in plane crash in Turkiye
A tragic aviation disaster in Turkey sends shockwaves through Libya’s fragile military leadership
A devastating aviation accident has rocked Libya and its military leadership. Libya’s top military chief, Lieutenant General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, was killed in a plane crash in Turkey on Tuesday, alongside several senior military officials and crew members. The tragic incident occurred as the delegation was returning from an official visit to Ankara, where they had held high-level defense talks with Turkish counterparts. �
The National +1
A Tragic Loss for Libya
Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling the loss “a great tragedy for the nation.” The prime minister announced that official mourning would be observed for three days across the country to honor the fallen leaders. �
The National
Al-Haddad was widely regarded as one of Libya’s most respected military figures. He served as the Chief of Staff of the Libyan Army and played a crucial role in efforts to unify the country’s armed forces, an ongoing challenge ever since Libya’s institutions were fractured by years of civil conflict. �
Al Jazeera
What Happened?
The plane carrying Gen. al-Haddad and his delegation was a Dassault Falcon 50 business jet that departed from Ankara’s Esenboga Airport en route to Tripoli, Libya. According to Turkish authorities, radio contact was lost roughly 40–42 minutes after takeoff. The aircraft issued an emergency landing request, reportedly due to a technical malfunction, before disappearing from radar. �
Türkiye Today
Turkish rescue teams later located the wreckage near the village of Kesikkavak in the Haymana district southwest of Ankara. Officials confirmed that all individuals on board perished in the crash, including the chief of staff, several senior Libyan military officers, and three crew members. �
euronews
Who Was on Board?
Apart from General al-Haddad, the crash claimed the lives of several key military personnel:
General Al-Fitouri Ghraibil, head of Libya’s ground forces
Brigadier General Mahmoud Al-Qatawi, director of the Military Manufacturing Authority
Mohammed Al-Asawi Diab, adviser to the chief of staff
Mohammed Omar Ahmed Mahjoub, a military photographer
Plus three Turkish flight crew members
�
The National
The Visit and Its Purpose
The Libyan delegation had been in Turkey for defense consultations meant to strengthen military cooperation between Ankara and Libya’s internationally recognised Government of National Unity (GNU). Reports indicate that al-Haddad met with senior Turkish defense officials, including Defense Minister Yasar Guler and other commanders, in discussions aimed at deepening military ties. �
Türkiye Today
Turkey has been a major partner of Libya’s western government, providing military support and training since 2019. This partnership was pivotal in stabilising the GNU’s control over parts of Libya and facilitating efforts to unify the divided nation. The talks were also seen as a continuation of Ankara’s role in Libya’s security architecture. �
Turkish Minute
The Broader Impact on Libya
General al-Haddad’s death represents a significant setback for Libya’s efforts to create a cohesive national military structure. Since the fall of long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has been marked by fragmentation, with competing administrations and military factions controlling different parts of the country. �
The National
Al-Haddad had been a central figure in bridging divides within Libya’s armed forces. His leadership was seen as a stabilising influence in negotiations and coordination between rival groups. In the wake of the crash, both western and eastern factions have expressed condolences, showing the unexpectedly wide respect he commanded across divisions. �
The National
International Reactions
International response to the tragedy has been supportive and somber. Turkey has opened a formal investigation into the cause of the crash, with prosecutors and authorities examining flight data recorders and assessing whether the malfunction was purely technical. �
Türkiye Today
In Libya, leaders from various political and military factions, including eastern commander Khalifa Haftar, extended condolences and emphasised unity in honouring the fallen officials. The tragedy has prompted renewed calls for national solidarity and a recommitment to stabilisation efforts. �
The National
What Comes Next?
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and it may take weeks or months to determine the exact cause. Meanwhile, Libya faces a period of mourning and transition within its military leadership. A temporary replacement for al-Haddad will lead the armed forces while the government evaluates long-term leadership options.
The loss also adds a layer of complexity to Libya’s political landscape. As the country continues its journey toward peace, reconciliation, and institutional unity, the death of such a unifying figure could influence future negotiations and power balances.
Conclusion
The sudden death of Libya’s top military chief in a plane crash near Ankara, Turkey, is a national tragedy with far-reaching implications. It has not only left a leadership vacuum in Libya’s military but also underscored the fragility of a nation still striving for unity after years of conflict. As investigations unfold and Libya mourns, the legacy of General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad — a leader respected across divides — will be remembered as central to the ongoing story of Libya’s effort to rebuild and unify. �
en.wikipedia.org
About the Creator
Fiaz Ahmed Brohi
I am a passionate writer with a love for exploring and creating content on trending topics. Always curious, always sharing stories that engage and inspire.
Keep reading
More stories from Fiaz Ahmed Brohi and writers in The Swamp and other communities.
Russia-Ukraine War Updates: Darkness in Ukraine After Latest Russian Attack
Ukraine is once again facing a harrowing night as the latest wave of Russian attacks plunges parts of the country into darkness. Power outages, disrupted communications, and widespread fear have marked the latest escalation, highlighting the ongoing challenges that ordinary Ukrainians face amid the brutal conflict that has gripped the nation for over three years. The attacks, which began in the early hours, targeted critical energy infrastructure across multiple regions, leaving thousands without electricity and severely affecting heating systems during the harsh winter. Ukrainian officials reported that entire towns were left in blackout, compounding the difficulties for residents already grappling with disrupted supply chains, cold weather, and the psychological toll of living in a war zone. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the nation, calling the attacks “a cruel attempt to terrorize our people.” In a statement, he emphasized that Ukraine would respond decisively to every act of aggression, both on the battlefield and through diplomatic channels. “Our resilience will not be broken. We are united, and we will overcome these dark hours,” Zelenskyy said. The strikes mark a continuation of Russia’s strategic targeting of civilian infrastructure, a tactic that has drawn international condemnation. By hitting power grids and essential services, analysts say Russia aims to sow fear, disrupt daily life, and undermine morale among the Ukrainian population. Humanitarian organizations have warned that prolonged outages could lead to severe consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those with medical conditions requiring electricity-dependent care. Local authorities have urged residents to prepare for extended periods without power. In Kyiv, officials distributed portable generators to critical facilities, including hospitals and shelters, while emergency services were placed on high alert. Citizens were advised to keep warm, conserve battery power, and report any emergencies to municipal authorities. Despite these precautions, many families face hours in the dark, relying on candles and battery-powered devices. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military continues to defend key positions in the east, where fighting remains intense. Recent reports indicate that Russian forces have launched multiple missile and drone attacks on frontline areas, targeting both military installations and logistical networks. Ukrainian commanders have highlighted the resilience of their troops, noting that defensive lines are holding despite the constant barrage. International reactions have been swift. The European Union condemned the attacks, labeling them “unjustifiable acts against civilians.” U.S. officials echoed this sentiment, urging Russia to respect international humanitarian law. Several countries have called for emergency meetings at the United Nations to address the escalating crisis and discuss further support for Ukraine. The human cost of the blackout is already evident. Hospitals in affected areas have reported difficulties in treating patients as backup power systems struggle to keep up. Schools and businesses remain closed, leaving communities grappling with the disruption of daily life. Social media platforms have been flooded with images and videos of families navigating the darkness, highlighting both the fear and resilience of the Ukrainian people. Energy experts have warned that full restoration of electricity could take days in some regions. Repair crews face dangerous conditions as they work to assess damage and restore critical lines, often under the threat of continued attacks. This latest assault underlines the ongoing vulnerability of Ukraine’s infrastructure and the complex challenges in maintaining essential services during wartime. Amid the darkness, stories of solidarity are emerging. Citizens are helping neighbors, sharing resources, and finding ways to stay connected despite power outages. Charitable organizations and local volunteers are mobilizing to provide food, blankets, and medical aid, demonstrating the strength and unity of communities under pressure. As night falls over Ukraine once more, the country braces for the challenges ahead. The attacks underscore that, even as diplomatic efforts continue, the realities of war remain stark and relentless. While the lights may be out in parts of Ukraine, the determination of its people to persevere and defend their homeland shines undiminished.
By Fiaz Ahmed Brohi27 days ago in The Swamp
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.