Libya is reeling from the loss of its top military general, Mohammed Ali Ahmad Al Haddad, and his entire delegation in a catastrophic plane crash. The incident occurred near Ankara, Turkey, as the Libyan military leaders were returning from defense-related discussions. The nation has declared a day of mourning for its fallen commanders.
Libya’s Prime Minister, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, conveyed the nation’s sorrow, stating, “This is a devastating blow to our country and our military. We have lost General al Haddad and his delegation.” The purpose of their trip was to engage in important meetings concerning Libya’s security and defense infrastructure.
A graphic video circulating widely on social media depicts the final moments of the ill-fated Dassault Falcon 50 jet. The footage shows the aircraft experiencing a rapid loss of altitude before a massive explosion engulfs it as it crashes into the ground near Huyman, south of the Turkish capital.
“We lost communication with the aircraft approximately 40 minutes after it took off, around 20:52 local time. The wreckage is in an inaccessible area,” stated Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. Turkish authorities confirmed that the jet, carrying General al-Haddad, the Chief of Staff of Libya’s Government of National Unity, was captured on security cameras moments before its fatal plunge.
While a thorough investigation is underway, preliminary reports from Turkish aviation experts indicate that a significant mechanical failure, specifically an electrical issue, is the likely cause of the crash. The crew reportedly alerted air traffic control to the problem and requested to return to Ankara. However, the aircraft vanished from radar screens during its descent over the Haymana region.
The demise of these key military figures, including Gen. Al-Fitouri Ghraibil, Brigadier General Mahmoud Al-Qatawi, Mohammed Al-Asawi Diab, and Mohammed Omar Ahmed Mahjoub, creates a substantial void in Libya’s military leadership and strategic planning capabilities.