A tragic event has occurred that is making headlines everywhere today. On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, a private jet carrying Libya’s top military leader crashed in Turkey. The crash took the life of General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, who was the Chief of Staff of the Libyan Army. This “tragic and painful incident” has sent shockwaves through both Libya and Turkey. Libya’s army chief
It happened just after the General had finished an important official visit to the Turkish capital. In this article, we will share the details of the flight, the brave men who were lost, and what this means for the future.
The Details of the Fatal Flight
The flight began at Esenboğa Airport in Ankara, Turkey’s busy capital city. General al-Haddad and his team were heading back home to Tripoli, Libya, after their official meetings. They were flying on a small business jet called a Dassault Falcon 50. The plane took off at 5:10 p.m. local time, and everything seemed normal at first.
However, only 42 minutes later, the aircraft suddenly lost radio contact with the control tower. Before the silence, the pilot had sent a quick message asking for an emergency landing. Sadly, the plane never made it back to the runway, and it crashed in a rural area south of the city.
The Search for the Wreckage in Haymana
As soon as the radio went silent, Turkish rescue teams rushed into action to find the missing jet. The Turkish Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, confirmed that the wreckage was found near the village of Kesikkavak. This small village is located in the Haymana district, which is about 45 miles away from Ankara.
Search teams, including the gendarmerie and medical workers, spent the night working in the dark to reach the site. They found the plane had crashed in an open field, and unfortunately, there were no survivors. The images from the scene show debris scattered across the ground, marking a very somber end to the search.
Honoring the Five Libyan Officials Lost
General al-Haddad was not traveling alone; he was accompanied by a team of high-ranking officials. Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah shared the names of the others who died in the crash. The victims included General Al-Fitouri Ghraibil, who was the chief of the ground forces, and General Mahmoud al-Qatawi, the director of military manufacturing.
An adviser to the chief of staff and a military photographer were also on board. These men were described as “dedicated sons of the people” who served their country with great sincerity. The loss of so many top leaders at once is a “grave affliction” for the entire Libyan military.
The Role of the Flight Crew
In addition to the five Libyan officials, three crew members also lost their lives in the disaster. Reports suggest that the crew members were French nationals who were working for a private aviation company. They were the ones who reported the electrical malfunction and tried to save the plane during its final moments.
Flying a small jet through a technical emergency is a very difficult task, and they fought until the very end. The Turkish government has reached out to the families of these crew members to offer their deepest condolences. Every life lost in this crash represents a family that is now grieving during the holiday season.
What Caused the Tragic Accident?
Right now, everyone is asking the same question: why did this happen? Initial reports from Turkish investigators suggest that a technical failure was the cause. Specifically, the pilot reported a major electrical failure shortly before the plane went down. Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc has already launched a full investigation into the crash to find more answers.
While some people wondered about “sabotage,” officials have said there is no evidence of a deliberate attack. They are now looking at the maintenance history of the leased aircraft to see if there were any hidden “wrinkles” or problems before it took off.
A High-Stakes Visit to Ankara
The crash happened just after a very important moment for Libya and Turkey. General al-Haddad had been in Ankara to meet with the Turkish Defense Minister and other top military commanders. They were discussing how to keep Libya safe and how to unify the country’s split military forces.
Interestingly, the crash occurred only one day after the Turkish parliament voted to extend their troop mandate in Libya for two more years. This shows how close the two countries have become in recent times. The General was a key player in these talks, making his sudden death a major setback for international diplomacy.
The Legacy of General al-Haddad
General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad was a very important figure in modern Libyan history. He was appointed as the Chief of Staff in August 2020 and was known for being a professional and disciplined leader. He worked hard to bridge the gap between the different fighting groups in his country to bring about peace.
Prime Minister Dbeibah praised him as an “example of responsibility and national commitment.” Many people in Tripoli saw him as a hero who wanted a better future for his nation. His death leaves a big hole in the leadership of the army at a time when the country is still trying to find its footing.
Three Days of National Mourning
In honor of the fallen leaders, the Libyan government has announced three days of national mourning. Flags will fly at half-mast across the country, and official events have been canceled to show respect. Prime Minister Dbeibah said the loss is a “great loss for the homeland” and for every citizen. In Turkey, leaders have also expressed their sadness and promised to help Libya in any way they can.
This time of mourning allows the people to come together and remember the sacrifices made by these military officers. It is a moment of deep silence for a nation that has already seen so much struggle.
The Impact on Libya’s Future Security
Many experts are now wondering what will happen to Libya’s security without these key leaders. General al-Haddad was a major part of the UN-backed efforts to make the military strong and united again. With him and the ground forces chief gone, new leaders will have to step up very quickly to take their place.
This could be a difficult transition, as finding experienced and trusted commanders takes a lot of time. The international community is watching closely to see how the Tripoli government handles this challenge. Maintaining stability in the region is now more important than ever before.
A Sad End to a Noble Mission Libya’s army chief
In conclusion, the plane crash in Turkey that killed General al-Haddad and his team is a heartbreaking story of loss. These men were returning from a mission to help their country, only to have their lives cut short by a technical failure. From the wreckage in Haymana to the mourning halls of Tripoli, the impact of this “tragic accident” is felt far and wide. Libya’s army chief
We honor the memory of the eight people who died and send our prayers to their families. As 2026 begins, the work of General al-Haddad will continue through those who carry on his dream of a united and peaceful Libya. Libya’s army chief
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