Libya’s Top Military Leader Dies in Plane Crash

Lieutenant General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, Libya’s Chief of Staff, has died in a plane crash in Turkiye while returning from an official visit to Ankara.

Turkish authorities reported that the Dassault Falcon 50 private jet requested an emergency landing due to an electrical malfunction shortly after takeoff, but lost contact with air traffic control minutes later. The crash site was later located near Kesikkavak village, and all eight people on board—including al-Haddad, four senior Libyan military officials, and three crew members—were killed.

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Who Was Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad?

General al-Haddad, Libya’s highest-ranking military officer, was widely respected across the country for his efforts to unify the nation’s divided armed forces. He worked closely with the UN-recognized Government of National Unity (GNU) in Tripoli to reconcile competing factions and limit the influence of powerful militias.

Al Jazeera’s Malik Traina described al-Haddad as:

“A key figure in efforts to unify Libya’s fractured military, someone people could rally behind to bring stability to the country.”

Al-Haddad joined the rebel forces during the 2011 revolution that toppled long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi. Since 2020, he had served as Chief of Staff, playing a critical role in building military institutions in western Libya, particularly around Tripoli and Misrata.

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Details of the Plane Crash

Turkish officials said the jet departed Ankara Esenboga Airport at 17:17 GMT, bound for Tripoli. At 17:33 GMT, the aircraft reported an electrical failure and declared an emergency. It disappeared from radar at 17:36 GMT while descending for an emergency landing.

• Aircraft: Dassault Falcon 50, 37 years old
• Fatalities: 8 (including 4 senior Libyan military officials)
• Emergency Response: 408 personnel deployed for search and recovery; black boxes recovered for investigation

The Libyan military sent officials to inspect the crash site, while Turkiye has appointed four prosecutors to lead the inquiry. Investigations are ongoing.

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Other Victims of the Crash

The Libyan officials killed alongside al-Haddad included:

• General al-Fitouri Ghraibil, head of ground forces
• Brigadier General Mahmoud al-Qatawi, director of Military Manufacturing Authority
• Muhammad al-Asawi Diab, senior military adviser
• Muhammad Omar Ahmed Mahjoub, military photographer

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Reactions and National Mourning

Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah called the crash a “tragic loss” and announced a three-day national mourning period with flags at half-mast and suspension of official celebrations.

Even eastern Libya’s rival forces, led by Khalifa Haftar, expressed sorrow and offered condolences, highlighting al-Haddad’s reputation as a unifying figure.

Austria’s former defense attaché to Libya, Wolfgang Pusztai, noted:

“Al-Haddad’s death is very significant. He ensured the loyalty of Misrata militias to the Tripoli government, and this might trigger challenges for Dbeibah moving forward.”

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Acting Chief of Staff Appointed

Libya’s Presidential Council appointed General Salah Eddine al-Namrush as acting Chief of Staff until a permanent replacement is announced. Experts note that al-Haddad’s charisma and ability to unify Libya will be extremely difficult to replace.

“It’s extremely big shoes to fill. Finding someone with the same ability to unite the country is a major challenge,” said Al Jazeera’s Malik Traina.

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What’s Next?

Libya faces a period of uncertainty as military and political leaders manage the fallout of this high-profile loss. The investigation in Turkiye will continue, and the international community will be watching closely, given al-Haddad’s critical role in maintaining stability between Tripoli and eastern Libya.