Libyan military chief, senior defence officials killed as private jet crashes after takeoff near Ankara; explosion caught on camera
Following the crash, Ankara’s airport was temporarily shut down, and multiple flights were diverted as emergency teams conducted search and recovery operations
PTC Web Desk: A private aircraft carrying Libya’s top military commander and senior defence officials crashed shortly after departing from Turkey’s capital, Ankara, on Tuesday night, killing all those on board, officials from both countries confirmed.
The jet was returning to Libya after a high-level defence visit when it went down in central Turkey. Initial findings suggest a technical failure may have caused the accident.
Victims include Libya’s top military commander
Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah confirmed the death of General Muhammad Ali Ahmad al-Haddad, describing the incident as a “tragic accident” and a “great loss for the nation.”
Al-Haddad was the chief military commander in western Libya and played a key role in UN-backed efforts to reunify Libya’s fractured armed forces, which have remained divided since the 2011 conflict.
Other senior officers among the dead
- Four additional Libyan military officials were also killed in the crash. They include:
- General Al-Fitouri Ghraibil, head of Libya’s ground forces
- Brigadier General Mahmoud Al-Qatawi, chief of the military manufacturing authority
- Mohammed Al-Asawi Diab, adviser to the chief of staff
- Mohammed Omar Ahmed Mahjoub, a military photographer attached to the chief of staff’s office
Three crew members were also on board, though their identities had not been released at the time of reporting.
Plane lost contact after emergency signal
Turkish authorities said the Falcon 50 business jet took off from Esenboga Airport at around 8.30 pm. Approximately 40 minutes later, air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft.
According to Turkish officials, the crew reported an electrical malfunction and requested an emergency landing. The jet was redirected back to Ankara but vanished from radar while descending.
The wreckage was later discovered near Kesikkavak village in Haymana district, about 70 km south of Ankara.
Explosion Caught on Camera
Local television channels aired security camera footage showing a sudden flash lighting up the night sky over Haymana, believed to be the moment of impact.
Following the crash, Ankara’s airport was temporarily shut down, and multiple flights were diverted as emergency teams conducted search and recovery operations.
Investigation launched in Turkey and Libya
Turkey’s Justice Ministry said four prosecutors have been assigned to investigate the crash. Libyan authorities also announced they will dispatch a technical team to Ankara to cooperate with Turkish investigators.
The Libyan delegation had been in Ankara for discussions aimed at strengthening military cooperation. During the visit, General al-Haddad met Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler and other senior officials.