Turkish DefMin meets Libyan officials after fatal Ankara crash

Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler and Chief of General Staff General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu have held a formal condolence meeting with Libyan officials and family members who traveled to Ankara following a fatal aircraft crash. The delegation arrived to receive the remains of the victims, which include Libya's Chief of General Staff and several senior military aides.

Expression of sorrow and solidarity

In a statement shared via the National Defense Ministry's official channels, both Turkish officials expressed profound sorrow over the tragic accident. They extended their deepest condolences to the grieving families and the people of Libya, reinforcing the close ties between the two nations during this period of loss.

Context of the ongoing recovery operation

The visit comes as recovery and investigation efforts continue at the crash site near Kesikkavak village in Ankara's Haymana district. The Falcon 50 business jet crashed on Tuesday shortly after departing from Ankara's Esenboğa Airport for Tripoli. Search operations, managed by Türkiye's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), have proceeded despite adverse weather conditions.

Coordination for repatriation

The presence of the high-level Libyan delegation in the Turkish capital underscores the close coordination between the two governments in managing the aftermath of the disaster. The focus is now on completing necessary forensic procedures to facilitate the dignified repatriation of the victims' remains to Libya.