TRIPOLI- Libya witnessed a fatal aviation accident involving a senior Libyan military delegation after a private business jet crashed shortly after departure from Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB). The incident resulted in the death of Libya’s army chief and four senior companions, marking one of the most serious military aviation losses for the country in recent years.
The aircraft was en route from Ankara to Tripoli following an official visit to Turkey when contact was lost. Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah confirmed that Lt. Gen. Mohamed Al-Haddad, Libya’s army chief, was killed in the crash along with other senior officials, calling the incident a national tragedy.
ULYANA STRIZH – X
Army Chief Killed in Plane Crash
Turkish authorities reported that the Falcon 50 business jet disappeared from radar shortly after departing Ankara on Tuesday evening.
The aircraft transmitted an emergency landing alert near Haymana, approximately 81 kilometers southwest of the capital, before communications were lost.
Search and rescue teams were dispatched immediately, with Turkish military units locating the wreckage south of Kesikkavak Village in the Haymana district.
Officials confirmed that all onboard were killed, and recovery operations continued through the night under difficult terrain and weather conditions.
Aircraft And Crew
The aircraft involved was identified as a Dassault Falcon 50, a tri-engine business jet commonly used for government and military transport.
Turkish officials stated that the jet had a crew of three, all of whom were French nationals, operating the flight at the time of the accident.
Initial statements from Turkey’s communications directorate indicated that the flight crew requested an emergency landing due to an electrical failure.
Flight data and cockpit voice recorders were recovered the following morning and handed over to investigators for detailed examination.
Victims And Investigation
Libyan authorities confirmed that four additional passengers were killed alongside Lt. Gen. Al-Haddad.
They included Maj. Gen. Al-Fitouri Ghreibel, Chief of Staff of the Ground Forces, Brig. Gen. Mahmoud Al-Qatioui, Director of the Military Manufacturing Authority, Mohamed Al-Asawi Diab, adviser to the army chief, and Mohamed Omar Ahmed Mahjoub, a media office photographer.
Turkey’s justice minister announced that a full investigation has been launched to examine all aspects of the crash.
The probe will assess technical failure, flight operations, and maintenance records to determine the cause, with findings expected to be shared with Libyan authorities.
Earlier on the day of the crash, Lt. Gen. Al-Haddad had been formally received in Ankara with military honors.
He held official talks with Turkey’s Chief of the General Staff, underscoring the diplomatic and military significance of the visit.
Bottom Line
The fatal crash near Ankara has dealt a major blow to Libya’s military leadership and highlighted the risks associated with official air travel.
As investigations continue in Turkey, the incident is likely to have political, military, and aviation safety implications for both countries.
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