In a tragic turn of events, the Libyan Army’s Chief of Staff, General Muhammad Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad, has been confirmed dead following a private jet crash in Turkey. The incident occurred late Tuesday evening as the General and his delegation were departing from the Turkish capital.
The Details of the Crash
General Al-Haddad was traveling aboard a private Falcon 50 business jet heading toward Tripoli. According to the Turkish Interior Ministry, the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control at 8:52 PM local time, shortly after taking off from Ankara’s Esenboğa Airport.
The flight crew issued a “Mayday” call citing a technical and electrical failure. While attempting to turn back for an emergency landing, the aircraft crashed in the vicinity of Haymana, a town on the outskirts of Ankara.
A Devastating Loss for the Military
The crash claimed the lives of all five people on board. Tragically, the victims represent the top echelon of the internationally recognized Libyan military:
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General Muhammad Al-Haddad: Chief of General Staff.
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The Chief of Ground Forces.
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The Chief of the Military Manufacturing Department.
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The Chief Advisor to the Chief of Staff.
Turkish officials have confirmed that the crash appears to be the result of a technical failure, with no immediate signs of sabotage.
Who was General Muhammad Al-Haddad?
General Al-Haddad was a career military man deeply respected for his commitment to civilian rule and democracy. A veteran of the 2011 uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi, he took over as Chief of Staff in 2021.
Known for his integrity, he was often described as a figure who refused to side with powerful militias, insisting on following official protocols and the rule of law. His death is seen as a massive blow to the efforts of unifying Libya’s divided military institutions.
The Geopolitical Context
The General was in Ankara to discuss military coordination and training agreements with Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler. This visit was particularly strategic, occurring just one day after Khalifa Haftar (the leader of Libya’s eastern-based forces) signed a major $4 billion military deal with Pakistan.
Turkey has long been the primary backer of the Tripoli-based government, providing military advisors and equipment to balance the power struggle against Haftar’s forces.
What Happens Next?
The Libyan Prime Minister, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, has officially mourned the loss, calling it a “big loss to the Libyan military institution.”
While the political relationship between Ankara and Tripoli is expected to remain stable, the physical loss of the military’s top three leaders creates a significant leadership vacuum in Western Libya. A committee has already been established to investigate the crash site alongside Turkish authorities and manage the repatriation of the bodies.
