Libyan army chief killed in military plane crash near Türkiye's Ankara

The Libyan Government of National Unity, based in Tripoli, has officially confirmed that Army Chief of Staff Mohammed al-Haddad perished alongside four aides in a military plane crash near the Turkish capital. The Falcon 50 jet, en route to Tripoli, went down in the Haymana region south of Ankara.

Tragic loss for the Libyan military

In a formal statement, the government led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh mourned the senior officers, describing their deaths as "a tragic loss to the nation, the military establishment, and all the people." The statement praised the men as having "served their country with sincerity and dedication," setting an example of discipline and national commitment.

Turkish authorities locate wreckage

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that search teams located the wreckage of the Libyan aircraft. The incident highlights the ongoing close ties and military coordination between Türkiye and the Tripoli-based administration in Libya, though the immediate cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Impact on a divided nation

The loss of its top military commander represents a significant blow to the internationally recognized Libyan government, which has been engaged in a prolonged period of conflict and political fragmentation. The tragedy occurs as the nation contends with deep internal divisions and a stalled political process.