Libya’s Army Chief of Staff, General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, was killed along with four senior officials in a plane crash near Ankara, Turkey. The officials were returning from an official visit when their Falcon 50 business jet reportedly suffered an electrical failure shortly after takeoff.
The crash claimed the lives of Al-Fitouri Gharibil, Chief of Staff of the Ground Forces; Mahmoud Al-Qatawi, Director of the Military Manufacturing Authority; Muhammad Al-Asawi Diab, adviser to al-Haddad; and Muhammad Omar Ahmed Mahjoub, a military photographer. Turkish authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident.
Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah described the incident as a tragic accident and a great loss for the nation and its military establishment. He announced three days of national mourning, with flags flown at half-mast and public events suspended.
The deaths of the senior military leaders have created a leadership vacuum in Libya’s armed forces, raising concerns about stability and coordination within the country’s fragile political and security environment. Analysts warn that the sudden loss could weaken Libya’s defense structure at a critical time.
The tragedy coincided with Libya’s subdued Independence Day commemorations, amplifying national grief. The incident also underscores the close military ties between Libya and Turkey, as the officials had just concluded meetings with Turkish counterparts before the crash.
