Libyan Army Chief Killed in Plane Crash in Turkey
A private jet carrying the Libyan Army Chief of Staff, General Muhammad Ali Ahmad al-Haddad, crashed shortly after taking off from Ankara on December 23rd, 2025, killing all eight people on board including the general, four officers, and three crew members. The tragic incident has prompted widespread international reaction, with condolences pouring in for the loss of the top military official.
Backstory
The aircraft, a Dassault Falcon 50 jet, had just departed from Ankara Esenboga Airport when it reported an electrical fault and requested an emergency landing. However, the plane crashed near the district of Haymana before it could make a successful landing. A video capturing this terrifying moment emerged, showing the night sky over Haymana suddenly lit up what appeared to be an explosion.
Investigations Underway
Investigators are currently examining the technical failure that caused the crash. In the aftermath of the incident, search and rescue teams arrived at the crash site, and the following day, the cockpit voice and flight data recorders were recovered from the wreckage. The black box will likely provide further information on what transpired in the final moments before the crash.
Turkey's interior minister confirmed that efforts to retrieve the victims' remains were still underway. The incident has led Turkey to question a series of air incidents involving the country and Turkish-owned ships, which have been raising concerns.
International Response
The incident has triggered a global response, with Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei extending condolences to the Libyan government and people. Turkish President also offered condolences to Libya. In response to the tragic loss, Libya's Government of National Unity declared three days of mourning.
Despite the tragedy, Al Jazeera English stated, *This [Libyan general's plane crash in Turkey] will not change the broader framework of Turkey's role within Libya.*
It further highlighted that ties with Turkey are expected to improve once Libya can patch up its internal differences.
Conclusion
As Libya mourns the loss of its military chief, questions about the country's political and military unity have been raised. The incident has also led to increased scrutiny of aviation safety in Turkey. As the investigation continues, the world awaits further information about the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.