Libya is observing a day of national mourning following the tragic loss of its top military general, Mohammed Ali Ahmad Al Haddad, and his delegation in a devastating plane crash. The incident occurred near Turkey’s capital, Ankara, shortly after takeoff. All senior military leaders aboard were killed in the catastrophic event as they returned from crucial defense meetings held in Turkey.
Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah expressed the nation’s profound grief, stating, “Today, our country, our nation, suffers a grave affliction with the death of General al Haddad, head of our military, and his esteemed delegation.” The delegation was en route home after participating in discussions vital to Libya’s national defense strategies.
Chilling footage circulating on social media captures the final moments of the Dassault Falcon 50 jet. The video shows the aircraft rapidly descending before erupting in a massive explosion upon impact with the ground in Huyman, near Kesikkavak, approximately 70 kilometers south of Ankara. Turkish officials confirmed the crash site’s remote location.
“We’ve found the wreck of the plane in a difficult-to-access area. We lost contact with the plane at about 20:52 local time, within 40 minutes of takeoff,” stated Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. Turkish security cameras documented the jet’s final moments after departing from Ankara Esenboğa Airport.
Preliminary investigations by Turkish civil aviation authorities point towards a catastrophic technical malfunction as the cause, ruling out any deliberate act of sabotage. Reports indicate the flight experienced a severe electrical failure shortly after departure, prompting the crew to request an emergency landing. However, the aircraft lost radar contact during its descent over the Haymana region.
The crash has left a significant strategic void within Libya’s defense establishment, claiming not only General al-Haddad but also other key military figures. Among the fallen were Gen. Al-Fitouri Ghraibil, Head of Libya’s Ground Forces; Brigadier General Mahmoud Al-Qatawi, Head of the Military Manufacturing Authority; Mohammed Al-Asawi Diab, Senior Adviser to the Chief of Staff; and Mohammed Omar Ahmed Mahjoub, the official military photographer.
