Libya army chief dies in Turkiye crash

Turkish authorities and emergency teams reached the site where a jet carrying Libya’s chief of staff, Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al‑Haddad, crashed while returning from Ankara to Tripoli. Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah said Al‑Haddad died in the crash; four others were aboard, including the commander of Libya’s ground forces, the director of its military manufacturing authority, an adviser to the chief of staff and a photographer. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said the aircraft took off from Esenboğa Airport at 17:10 GMT, lost radio contact at 17:52 GMT, and wreckage was found near Kesikkavak village in Haymana district.

Turkish security forces sealed off the area and launched a wide investigation, reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses. Initial official accounts described a violent incident under inquiry, with some reports suggesting the commander may have been shot before the crash, though authorities have not confirmed cause, motive or any suspect’s identity. Officials said there was no immediate indication of a broader security threat and pledged a transparent legal process while cooperating with Libyan counterparts.

Libyan authorities expressed shock and called the loss a significant setback to efforts to stabilize the country’s fractured military institutions. Al‑Haddad was regarded as a senior figure whose presence in Turkey was linked—officially or unofficially—to talks on training, coordination or bilateral cooperation, but neither side confirmed the visit’s precise purpose. The killing and crash have prompted speculation about political motives tied to Libya’s entrenched rivalries and factional violence; analysts warned against premature conclusions until investigations are complete.

Turkey, which has been active in Libyan affairs, said it is cooperating closely with Libyan officials to clarify circumstances. The incident has amplified regional concern over the safety of Libyan officials abroad and the potential diplomatic repercussions between the two countries. Authorities from both nations said they will release further findings as the probe continues, and investigators continue to gather evidence to determine whether the crash resulted from an attack, technical failure or other causes.