Ankara, Turkey – The investigation into a fatal aircraft crash near Haymana, Ankara, on December 24, 2025, has led to the brief detention and interrogation of a flight attendant with Cypriot citizenship. The incident, which claimed the lives of Mohammed Ali Al-Haddad, commander of the Libyan army, and several members of his entourage, has prompted a multi-agency inquiry that extended to individuals with prior connections to the ill-fated flight.
The Cypriot national, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, was reportedly taken from her hotel in Ankara and subsequently transferred to the Ankara Security Directorate. Her detention, initiated by Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and sanctioned by the Ankara Prosecutor’s Office, involved questioning by the Counterterrorism Unit. While the exact nature of the inquiry remains under wraps, sources indicate it was part of a broader effort to ascertain all circumstances surrounding the crash. The flight attendant was later released and has since departed Turkey, with the Republic of Cyprus government acknowledging awareness of the situation from its outset.
The aircraft, which was carrying the Libyan delegation, crashed in a rural area outside Ankara, triggering an immediate and comprehensive investigation. Turkish authorities, encompassing the judiciary, police, and intelligence services, are meticulously examining all facets of the event. A crucial element of this probe involves the examination of the aircraft's black box, which is slated to undergo analysis in the United Kingdom, a move intended to provide impartial and in-depth technical data.
Questions persist regarding the operational details of the flight. Reports have surfaced suggesting the use of a private aircraft by the Libyan delegation and alleged alterations to the flight crew roster prior to departure. However, official clarifications on these points have yet to be disseminated, leaving 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 links or 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. The incident has cast a spotlight on the complex logistical and security considerations involved in international travel for official delegations. As the inquiry continues, the focus remains on piecing together a definitive account of the crash, with the forthcoming analysis of the black box data expected to be instrumental in illuminating the precise sequence of events that led to this devastating loss of life. The joint efforts of various Turkish security and judicial bodies, coupled with international cooperation for data analysis, signal a commitment to uncovering the truth behind this Ankara air disaster.