ANKARA, Turkey — Libya’s top military commander, Gen. Muhammad Ali Ahmad al‑Haddad, was killed alongside four senior officers and staff when their private jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Ankara on Tuesday evening. Turkish authorities confirmed that wreckage of the Falcon 50 business jet was found near Kesikkavak village in Haymana, about 70 kilometers south of the capital.
The Victims
The crash claimed the lives of:
- Gen. Al‑Fitouri Ghraibil, head of Libya’s ground forces.
- Brig. Gen. Mahmoud Al‑Qatawi, leader of the military manufacturing authority.
- Mohammed Al‑Asawi Diab, advisor to the chief of staff.
- Mohammed Omar Ahmed Mahjoub, military photographer.
Prime Minister Abdul‑Hamid Dbeibah described the accident as a “great loss” for Libya, noting al‑Haddad’s pivotal role in UN‑brokered efforts to unify Libya’s divided military institutions.
What Happened
- The jet took off from Esenboga Airport at 8:30 p.m. local time.
- Contact was lost 40 minutes later after the plane issued an emergency landing signal near Haymana.
- Security footage captured what appeared to be an explosion lighting up the night sky.
- Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed communication ceased before the aircraft could return to Ankara.
Turkish media reported the emergency signal was triggered by an electrical fault, and prosecutors have been assigned to investigate.
Defence Talks in Ankara
The Libyan delegation had been in Turkey for high‑level defence talks with Defence Minister Yasar Guler, aimed at strengthening military cooperation. The crash occurred as the delegation was returning home.
Wider Context
Al‑Haddad was a central figure in Libya’s fragile peace process, tasked with bridging divides between rival military factions in the country’s east and west. His death raises concerns about the future of security sector reform and ongoing efforts to stabilize Libya after years of civil conflict.
Libya announced it will send a team to Ankara to work with Turkish authorities on the investigation. The airport was temporarily closed following the incident, with several flights diverted.