Libyan Military Leader Killed in Aircraft Accident Near Ankara

On December 23, 2025, a tragic plane crash involving a private jet carrying Libya’s Chief of General Staff, General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, and seven others occurred shortly after takeoff from Ankara, Turkey. The Falcon 50 business jet was en route to Tripoli following high-level defense discussions aimed at strengthening military cooperation between Libya and Turkey.

The aircraft lost contact with air traffic control about 40 minutes post-departure from Esenboga International Airport, shortly after the crew reported an electrical malfunction and requested an emergency landing. The crash site was identified near the village of Kesikkavak in the Haymana district, complicating recovery operations due to its remote location.

Among the deceased were key military personnel, including General al-Haddad, the head of Libya’s ground forces General Al-Fitouri Ghraibil, and Brigadier General Mahmoud Al-Qatawi. The identities of the three crew members remain undisclosed. Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah lamented the incident as a “great loss for the nation” and emphasized the pivotal roles these leaders played in unifying Libya’s fragmented military. In response to the tragedy, the Libyan government declared a three-day national mourning period, during which flags were flown at half-mast.

Turkish authorities have launched an investigation into the crash’s cause, retrieving the flight data and cockpit voice recorders for analysis. This inquiry aims to assess whether technical failures or other factors contributed to the disaster. The incident poses a potential setback in the diplomatic ties between Libya and Turkey, particularly as both nations have sought to bolster their military and economic relations. As investigations proceed, officials from both countries are dedicated to uncovering the full scope of this tragic event.