Libya lays army chief of staff to rest in Misrata

According to Barin Kayaoglu of the Social Sciences University of Ankara, Turkiye's relationship with Libya is expected to improve once Libya resolves its internal conflicts. Kayaoglu believes that a Libyan general's plane crash in Turkiye is unlikely to significantly affect Turkiye's overall involvement in Libya. The statement, published on December 24, 2025, suggests that Turkiye's role in Libya is contingent on the latter achieving internal stability. The analysis focuses on the broader geopolitical relationship between the two countries, rather than being derailed by isolated incidents. The expert's opinion provides insight into the future trajectory of Turkiye-Libya relations.

Libyan army Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, died in a plane crash in Turkiye on December 24, 2025. The private aircraft, returning to Tripoli from an official visit to Ankara, requested an emergency landing due to an electrical failure shortly after takeoff but lost contact. The crash also killed four senior Libyan military officials and three crew members. Al-Haddad was considered a unifying figure in Libya amid political divisions and efforts to stabilize the country after years of conflict following the ousting of Muammar Gaddafi. He had served as chief of staff since 2020 and worked within the UN-recognized Government of National Unity to bring together competing armed factions. The Libyan government has announced three days of national mourning.

A plane carrying Libyan military chief Mohammed al-Haddad crashed near Ankara, Turkiye on December 24, 2025. Video footage of the crash has been released. Al-Haddad was in Turkiye to participate in high-level talks. His presence was significant due to his key role in the UN-backed effort to unify Libya. The crash occurred while he was traveling for these discussions. The incident is under investigation.

Libya's army chief, Gen Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, and four others died in a plane crash in Turkey on Tuesday evening. The Falcon 50 aircraft, en route to Tripoli, issued an emergency landing request shortly after taking off from Ankara. Turkish authorities lost contact with the jet at 20:52 local time, approximately 42 minutes after departure. The wreckage was discovered southwest of Ankara near the village of Kesikkavak. Gen Haddad and his team were in Turkey for discussions aimed at enhancing military and security cooperation between Libya and Turkey. Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh mourned the loss, highlighting their dedication to the country. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash.

A business jet carrying Libya's Chief of the General Staff, Muhammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad, and four others crashed south of Ankara, Turkey, shortly after takeoff on Tuesday night, resulting in Al-Haddad's death and a temporary shutdown of Ankara's airspace. The Falcon 50 jet lost contact approximately 30 minutes after departing Esenboga International Airport, prompting an emergency security response and flight diversions. The airspace closure was implemented as a precaution while authorities assessed potential security risks. The crash occurred hours after Al-Haddad concluded an official visit to Ankara, where he met with Turkish defense officials to discuss ongoing military and security coordination between Turkey and Libya. The incident is under investigation by Turkish authorities.

Libyan army chief of staff, Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, and four others died in a plane crash in Turkey on Tuesday evening. The private jet, a Dassault Falcon 50, was en route to Tripoli after departing from Ankara's Esenboğa airport when it lost radio contact and crashed near Kesikkavak village. Turkish authorities launched a search and rescue operation, confirming the wreckage and fatalities. The passengers included the commander of Libya’s ground forces, the director of its military manufacturing authority, an adviser to the chief of staff, and a photographer. The cause of the crash is currently unknown. Haddad's visit to Turkey included meetings with the Turkish defense minister and other military commanders, a day after Turkey extended its military deployment mandate in Libya.

Libyan Army Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Mohamed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, and four other Libyan military officials died in a plane crash in Turkey on Tuesday night. The private jet, a Falcon 50, lost radio contact shortly after taking off from Ankara, where al-Haddad had been meeting with Turkish defense officials. The wreckage was found in the Haymana district, about 40 miles southwest of Ankara. The deceased included high-ranking officers such as Maj. Gen. Al-Fitouri Ghribel and Brig. Mahmoud Al-Qattouwi. Turkish prosecutors have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Al-Haddad, appointed in 2020, led efforts to unify the Libyan Army under the internationally recognized government.