A plane crash near Ankara, Türkiye, has resulted in the deaths of Libya’s Army Chief of Staff Mohammed al-Haddad and four other senior military officers. The Falcon 50 jet, bound for Tripoli, crashed south of Haymana, according to Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.
Condolences and Loss
Libya’s Presidency Council head Mohammad Menfi expressed his condolences, calling the deaths “a grave loss for the Libyan military establishment and for the entire nation.” Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah echoed this sentiment, describing the loss as “tragic.”
Both Menfi and Dbeibah highlighted the dedication and commitment of those who died, emphasizing their service to Libya. Menfi stated that Libya had lost leaders who served with “utmost integrity” and placed the nation’s security and stability above all else. Dbeibah added that the men were “examples of discipline, responsibility and national commitment.”
Recent Travel and Regional Context
Al-Haddad had recently met with Turkish officials in Türkiye. Ankara is described as the most important supporter of the government in Tripoli. The crash occurred as the jet was en route back to Libya.
Libya has experienced years of civil war following the fall of Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. The loss of key military leaders could potentially impact ongoing efforts toward stability within the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Mohammed al-Haddad?
Mohammed al-Haddad was the Army Chief of Staff of Libya, a position he held since August 2020. He was appointed by then-prime minister Fayez al-Sarraj.
Where did the plane crash?
The plane crashed south of Haymana near Ankara, Türkiye. The wreckage was found by Turkish authorities.
What was the purpose of al-Haddad’s trip to Türkiye?
Al-Haddad had met with Turkish officials in Türkiye prior to the crash. The specific details of those meetings were not provided.
How might this event affect Libya’s ongoing efforts to achieve stability after years of civil war?
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