An extensive investigation into a fatal aircraft crash near Haymana, Ankara, on December 24, 2025, has resulted in the temporary detention and subsequent interrogation of a flight attendant. This unfortunate incident, which tragically claimed the lives of Mohammed Ali Al-Haddad, commander of the Libyan army, and several members of his entourage, has necessitated a multi-agency inquiry. The investigation has extended to individuals possessing prior connections to the ill-fated flight, seeking to establish a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances.
The Cypriot national, whose identity remains undisclosed, was reportedly escorted from her Ankara hotel and transferred to the local Security Directorate. Her detention, initiated by Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and subsequently sanctioned by the Ankara Prosecutor’s Office, involved questioning by the Counterterrorism Unit. Although the precise nature of the inquiry has not been publicly revealed, sources suggest it forms part of a broader effort to ascertain all contributing factors surrounding the crash. The flight attendant was later released and has since departed Turkey, with the Republic of Cyprus government confirming its awareness of the situation from its inception.
The aircraft, transporting the Libyan delegation, experienced a catastrophic crash in a rural area outside Ankara, triggering an immediate and thorough investigation. Turkish authorities, comprising the judiciary, police, and intelligence services, are meticulously examining every facet of this devastating event. A critical component of this ongoing probe involves the examination of the aircraft's black box, which is scheduled for analysis in the United Kingdom. This decision is intended to ensure impartial and in-depth technical data collection.
Questions persist regarding the operational specifics of the flight. Reports have emerged suggesting the Libyan delegation utilized a private aircraft and that alterations were made to the flight crew roster before departure. However, official clarifications on these significant points have not yet been disseminated, contributing to a degree of opacity surrounding the flight's final hours. The flight attendant’s previous involvement in operating the aircraft to Turkey is understood to be the primary rationale for her brief detainment, as investigators sought to explore any potential insights she might possess relevant to the crash. Authorities were reportedly scrutinizing her communications and any possible associations as part of their exhaustive fact-finding mission. The tragic demise of Al-Haddad and his companions underscores the gravity of the investigation.