On Tuesday evening, December 23, 2025, the aircraft carrying Libya’s army chief of staff, Lieutenant General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, crashed shortly after departing Ankara’s Esenboğa Airport, killing him and seven others on board.
Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah confirmed the news via Facebook, calling the incident “a great tragedy” and “a profound loss for the nation, the military establishment, and all the people.”
Also on board were four senior officers: General Al-Fitouri Gharibil, head of Libya’s ground forces; Brigadier General Mahmoud Al-Qatawi, director of the Military Manufacturing Authority; adviser Muhammad Al-Asawi Diab; and military photographer Muhammad Omar Ahmed Mahjoub, along with three crew members whose identities have not yet been released.
The sudden loss of so many high-ranking figures leaves a significant gap in Libya’s defence leadership. As investigations into the crash continue, Libyans and international observers alike are mourning the passing of servicemembers who had dedicated themselves to their nation with sincerity and dedication.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
