Full Breakdown
Fatal Plane Crash Claims Libya's Military Chief and Delegation
12/26/2025, 3:54:12 AM
Overview of the Incident
On December 23, 2025, a private jet carrying Libya's military chief, Lieutenant General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, and seven others crashed shortly after taking off from Ankara, Turkey. The aircraft, a Dassault Falcon 50, departed from Esenboga Airport at approximately 8:10 PM local time and was en route to Tripoli. Contact with the plane was lost about 40 minutes later, shortly after it reported an electrical malfunction and requested an emergency landing near Haymana, a district southwest of Ankara. All eight individuals on board, including four senior Libyan military officials and three crew members, perished in the crash.
Key Figures on Board
The victims included:
- Lieutenant General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad: Chief of Staff of the Libyan Army.
- Major General Al-Fitouri Ghraibil: Chief of Staff of the Ground Forces.
- Brigadier General Mahmoud Al-Qatawi: Director of the Military Manufacturing Authority.
- Mohammed Al-Asawi Diab: Adviser to the Chief of Staff.
- Mohammed Omar Ahmed Mahjoub: Military photographer.
Investigation and Recovery Efforts
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that the wreckage was located near Kesikkavak village in the Haymana district. The Turkish Ministry of Justice has launched an investigation into the crash, which is being coordinated by multiple prosecutors. The investigation will examine the aircraft's technical history, the condition of the pilots, and any potential mechanical failures. The black boxes, including the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, have been recovered and will be analyzed in a neutral country.
Official Statements and Responses
Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah expressed profound sorrow over the incident, describing it as a "great loss for the nation." He announced a three-day period of mourning across Libya, with flags flown at half-mast. Dbeibah emphasized the significance of al-Haddad's role in the military and the ongoing efforts to unify Libya's fractured armed forces. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also extended condolences during a call with Dbeibah.
Criticism and Opposition
While the cause of the crash is still under investigation, some experts have raised concerns about the reliability of the aircraft, which was reportedly 37 years old. Tolga Tuzun Inan, an aviation expert, noted that a single electrical failure typically would not cause a complete loss of control, suggesting that multiple factors may have contributed to the crash.
Broader Implications
The crash occurs at a critical juncture for Libya, which remains divided between rival administrations in the east and west. Al-Haddad was a key figure in the UN-backed efforts to unify the military and stabilize the country. His death could have significant repercussions for Libya's military leadership and ongoing peace efforts, particularly as Turkey has been a crucial ally of the Tripoli-based government.
What's Next
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with Turkish authorities and Libyan officials collaborating to determine the cause. The findings will be crucial in understanding the circumstances surrounding this tragic event and may influence future military cooperation between Turkey and Libya.
