Libyan Chief of Staff Among 8 Killed in Plane Crash in Turkey

Dec 24, 2025
International

Symbolic image: Libyan Chief of Staff killed in plane crash near Ankara, Turkey (collected. Al Jazeera)

International Desk, PNN

A private jet crashed near Ankara, Turkey, killing Libyan Chief of Staff General Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad. The plane lost contact shortly after takeoff from Esenboğa Airport. All on board died.

The victims included Al-Haddad, four senior Libyan military officials, and three crew members. Preliminary investigations show no signs of sabotage; technical failure is suspected. Turkey’s Interior Minister confirmed the black box has been recovered and investigation is underway.

Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah called the loss “irreparable for the nation,” noting the deceased were devoted to the country and military. Libya’s UN-recognized government declared three days of national mourning.