By AWC Foreign Desk
A tragic aviation accident claimed the lives of Libya’s Army Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad and several senior military officials after a private jet crashed near Ankara, Turkey, on Tuesday, December 23, 2025.
The Dassault Falcon 50 business jet, operating as Harmony Jets Flight 185, was en route from Ankara Esenboğa Airport to Mitiga International Airport, Tripoli, when it lost contact with air traffic control shortly after takeoff.
All Aboard Perish in Crash
All eight occupants on board — five passengers and three crew members — died in the crash. Among the passengers were:
- Gen. Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, Chief of the Libyan Army General Staff
- General Al-Fitouri Ghraibil, Head of Libya’s Ground Forces
- Brig. General Mahmoud Al-Qatawi, Director of the Military Manufacturing Authority
- Mohammed Al-Asawi Diab, Adviser to the Chief of Staff
- Mohammed Omar Ahmed Mahjoub, Military Photographer
– along with the three crew members.
Libyan authorities recovered the wreckage near Kesikkavak village in the Haymana district of Ankara Province, where debris was spotted following the loss of radio contact about 40 minutes after departure.
Emergency Call Before Impact
According to flight data, the aircraft climbed to about 32,475 feet before the transponder was switched to an emergency code (7700). The crew reportedly requested an emergency landing at Ankara before signal loss, suggesting a possible technical malfunction. Turkish officials later indicated that an electrical failure may have contributed to the crash, though formal investigations are ongoing.
National Mourning Declared
Libya’s Government of National Unity, led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, described the incident as a “great loss for the nation, the military establishment, and all the people.” The government announced three days of national mourning, with flags flown at half-mast and official ceremonies suspended in respect for the deceased.
The Presidency Council and top political figures echoed deep sorrow, highlighting al-Haddad and his colleagues as dedicated military leaders committed to national security and unity.
Impact on Libya’s Fragile Equilibrium
General al-Haddad, appointed Chief of the General Staff in 2020, had been a central figure in ongoing efforts to unify Libya’s fractured military apparatus amid years of political division and conflict. His death — and that of key senior commanders — leaves a significant leadership vacuum at a delicate moment for Libyan stability.
Observers warn the loss could affect:
- Military cohesion and operational continuity
- Progress in national reconciliation and security sector reform
- Libya’s diplomatic and defence posture with international partners
Turkey-Libya Relations Under the Spotlight
The crash occurred just after Libyan delegation meetings with Turkish defence officials focused on strengthening bilateral military cooperation — a reminder of Turkey’s influential role in Libya’s security calculus. Four days earlier, the Turkish parliament extended the mandate for Turkish forces in Libya, underscoring evolving regional ties.
Investigation and Forward Path
Turkish authorities have launched a formal probe involving aviation safety specialists and prosecutors, with Libya coordinating closely on investigative efforts. No evidence of foul play has been reported so far, and the crash is widely being treated as an accidental tragedy likely tied to mechanical or technical issues.
Legacy and National Reverberations
Al-Haddad’s loss resonates across Libya’s political and military spectrum. Leaders from different factions — including rivals and foreign partners — expressed condolence and solidarity, highlighting the late general’s role in bridging divides.
As Libya mourns its top military leaders, the nation now faces not only the operational challenge of reconstituting its defence leadership but also the broader task of sustaining fragile momentum toward unity and lasting peace.
