Libya’s Chief of General Staff, Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad, has died along with four other senior military officials following a plane crash shortly after departing Ankara, officials from Libya and Turkiye confirmed.
Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah described the loss as a “great national tragedy,” saying the officials were returning from an official visit to Turkiye. He praised Al-Haddad’s role in supporting Libya’s military institution and national stability.
According to Turkish authorities, the aircraft took off from Esenboğa Airport and later reported an emergency while flying over Ankara’s Haymana district. Communication was lost shortly afterward, and Turkish rescue teams located the wreckage near Kesikkavak village. An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the crash.
Those who died in the incident included the commander of Libya’s ground forces, the head of the military manufacturing authority, a senior adviser, and a media staff member from the chief of staff’s office.
Libya’s internationally recognized Government of National Unity declared three days of national mourning and said an official delegation will travel to Ankara to follow up on procedures and investigations.
Al-Haddad had been in Turkiye for high-level defense meetings, reflecting the continued cooperation between Tripoli and Ankara in security, training, and strategic coordination. Turkish officials expressed condolences and pledged full cooperation in the investigation.
Libyan leaders, military personnel, and citizens have been paying tribute to Al-Haddad’s service and commitment to the country, as national institutions prepare to navigate the next phase of leadership transition within the armed forces.