The Libyan military establishment has suffered a devastating blow with the death of its Chief of Staff, General Mohammed Ali Ahmad Al Haddad, and several other senior officers in a plane crash near Ankara, Turkey. The Libyan government has declared a period of national mourning for the fallen delegation, who were returning from defense strategy discussions.
“We are facing a profound tragedy. The loss of General al Haddad and his delegation is a grave affliction for our nation,” announced Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah. The delegation’s meetings in Turkey were focused on strengthening Libya’s defense posture and strategic alliances.
Shocking video footage has emerged, documenting the final moments of the Dassault Falcon 50 jet. The video clearly shows the aircraft in a steep descent, followed by a dramatic explosion as it impacted the terrain in Huyman, located about 70 kilometers south of Ankara. The remote location of the crash site has complicated recovery efforts.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that radar contact was lost shortly after the flight’s departure, around 20:52 local time. “The plane’s wreckage has been located in a difficult-to-reach area,” he added. Security camera footage from the Ankara region captured the private jet’s sudden and catastrophic trajectory post-takeoff.
Authorities in Turkey are investigating the incident, with early indications pointing towards a severe technical malfunction. Reports suggest a critical electrical failure occurred shortly after the aircraft left the runway, prompting an emergency return request. The plane subsequently disappeared from radar during its descent over Haymana.
The loss of General al-Haddad and his accompanying officers—Gen. Al-Fitouri Ghraibil, Brigadier General Mahmoud Al-Qatawi, Mohammed Al-Asawi Diab, and Mohammed Omar Ahmed Mahjoub—leaves a critical leadership gap in Libya’s military and security apparatus, impacting its ongoing efforts toward stabilization and modernization.