Libya's army chief among 5 killed in military plane crash near Türkiye's capital

A senior Libyan military delegation is set to arrive in Türkiye to coordinate with authorities following a fatal plane crash south of Ankara. The aircraft, carrying Libyan Army Chief of Staff Mohammed al-Haddad and four high-ranking military officials, went down near the Haymana district. The Libyan Government of National Unity confirmed the tragedy and has declared an official three-day mourning period.

National mourning and suspended celebrations

In an official statement, the Tripoli-based government extended its "sincerest condolences" to the families of the victims and their colleagues in the armed forces. During the mourning period, flags will be flown at half-mast at all state institutions, and official ceremonies are suspended. This somber decree directly impacts the nation's planned 74th Independence Day celebrations, which were scheduled for December 24-25.

Investigation and regional coordination

Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh has directed the Defense Ministry to dispatch a delegation to Ankara. Their task is to work directly with Turkish officials to review the circumstances surrounding the crash of the Falcon 50 jet, which was bound for Tripoli. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the location of the wreckage. The head of Libya's Presidency Council, Mohamed Menfi, also expressed his condolences for the loss.