Türkiye honors Libyan military delegation killed in Ankara plane crash

Türkiye held an official funeral ceremony in Ankara on Saturday for the members of a high-level Libyan military delegation who perished in a plane crash last week. The service, held at the Murted Air Base Command, honored the eight victims, including Libya's Chief of General Staff General Mohammed Ali Al-Haddad, before their bodies were repatriated to Libya.

A Solemn Tribute and Repatriation

The ceremony was attended by senior Turkish officials including National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, Chief of General Staff General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, and service branch commanders. Libyan Ambassador Mustafa Elgelaib, delegation members, and victims' families were also present. The service included a moment of silence, Quranic recitations, and prayers for the deceased. Following a reading of the victims' names, their remains were transferred to an aircraft for the final journey to Libya.

The Fatal Crash and its Victims

The tragic incident occurred on December 23 when a private jet carrying the Libyan delegation crashed in Ankara, killing all eight people on board. The passengers included five senior Libyan military figures: Chief of General Staff Gen. Mohammed Ali Al-Haddad; Land Forces Commander Lt. Gen. Futuri Gribel; Director of Military Factories Brig. Gen. Mahmoud Juma El Giteviy; an adviser to the chief of staff, Mohammed Assavi; and photographer Mohammed Omar Ahmed Mahjoub. Three Turkish crew members also lost their lives in the accident.

Symbol of Deepening Bilateral Ties

Following the ceremony, General Bayraktaroğlu departed for Libya to attend a further military service, underscoring the close cooperation and personal bonds between the two nations' armed forces. The high-level Turkish presence at the funeral highlights the strategic depth of the Ankara-Tripoli relationship, which has grown significantly in recent years through defense cooperation, training programs, and diplomatic support. Türkiye's respectful and dignified send-off for the Libyan officers reflects its commitment to standing by its allies in times of tragedy and its role as a key partner in Libya's stability and sovereignty.