A tragic aircraft accident near Ankara on Tuesday evening resulted in the deaths of General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, the Libyan army chief, along with five other high-ranking military personnel. The private jet, which was en route to Tripoli, lost communication with air traffic control shortly after its departure from Esenboğa Airport. This devastating incident has profoundly affected Libya and has ignited serious concerns regarding aviation safety protocols and the specific circumstances of this unfortunate flight.
The Libyan delegation had been in the Turkish capital for a significant one-day visit aimed at strengthening military and security collaboration between the two nations. Discussions were reportedly centred on enhancing defence cooperation, a particularly relevant topic given Libya's ongoing stabilisation efforts and the recent extension of Turkish military presence, a decision finalised on January 2, 2026. The immense significance of this loss was eloquently articulated by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, who expressed deep sorrow, stating, "Libya has lost men who served their country with sincerity and dedication."
Following the loss of contact, Turkish authorities promptly initiated a large-scale search operation to locate the missing aircraft. The Turkish Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, confirmed the grim discovery of the wreckage. He announced that the plane, which had departed from Ankara's Esenboğa Airport, was found by Gendarmerie forces approximately 2 kilometers south of Kesikkavak village. The search efforts were significantly aided by two F-16 fighter jets deployed from Konya, and temporary airspace restrictions were implemented over Ankara to facilitate these critical operations.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the business jet, identified as a Falcon 50 model operated by Falcon Air, encountered an emergency shortly before its signal disappeared around 20:52 local time. The precise cause of the crash remains undetermined, and a thorough investigation has been initiated by Turkish aviation authorities. The Libyan Armed Forces and the Turkish General Staff are cooperating closely with the inquiry, which will meticulously examine all potential contributing factors, from mechanical issues to environmental conditions.
The untimely deaths of General al-Haddad and his delegation, which included prominent figures like Al Fituri Garibil and Mahmoud el-Katawi, represent a considerable setback for Libya's military leadership during this critical period. Their presence in Ankara underscored a mutual commitment to reinforcing bilateral defence ties, a partnership that has been steadily progressing. This tragic event casts a somber shadow over these developing relationships and necessitates a comprehensive understanding of its origins to prevent similar future occurrences. The wider implications of this incident will undoubtedly be closely observed as Libya navigates this period of profound national mourning and uncertainty.