Libya’s Army Chief Killed in Air Crash in Turkey
7 hours ago
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In a tragic event, Libya’s army chief, General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, has been confirmed dead following an air crash in Turkey, according to the country’s prime minister. This catastrophic incident occurred while al-Haddad was aboard a Falcon 50 aircraft departing from Ankara on Tuesday evening.
Details of the Incident
– Flight Information: The aircraft, carrying an additional four military officials and three crew members, lost communication with air traffic control at 20:52 local time (17:52 GMT), approximately 42 minutes after takeoff from Ankara’s airport.
– Emergency Request: The trip to Tripoli included an emergency landing request prior to losing contact.
– Crash Site: Wreckage of the jet was discovered southwest of Ankara, and authorities have successfully retrieved the flight’s voice recorder and black box.
– Investigation: An investigation is currently underway to determine the precise cause of the crash.
Response and Reactions
– Official Statements: Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that police located the debris near the village of Kesikkavak in the Haymana district. The emergency services are continuing efforts to recover the bodies.
– Libyan Leadership’s Grief: Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh expressed profound sorrow over the deaths of General al-Haddad and the other senior military officials, calling this a great loss for Libya. He emphasized that the country has lost men who served their country with sincerity and dedication.
Importance of the Visit
General al-Haddad and his delegation were in Turkey to discuss enhancing military and security cooperation between the two nations. Turkey’s involvement in Libya has escalated since its intervention in 2019, which helped to protect the internationally recognized government in Tripoli from being overthrown.
Background Context
Libya has been deeply affected by conflict since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, leading to a power vacuum and the emergence of numerous armed groups. The nation is currently divided between rival governments, with the eastern region led by military figure Khalifa Haftar. The turmoil has resulted in a sustained state of lawlessness and chaos throughout the country.
This devastating air crash marks a significant moment in Libya’s ongoing struggle for stability, signaling the continuing challenges faced by its leadership and military forces.