Libya’s army chief, Mohamed Ali al-Haddad, along with four other senior military officials, tragically lost their lives in a plane crash on December 24, 2025. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff from Ankara, Turkey, where they had been attending official meetings. Turkish authorities reported that the aircraft lost radio contact and experienced an electrical failure, leading to a request for an emergency landing that could not be executed in time.
The wreckage was discovered in the Haymana district, approximately 40 miles from Ankara. The loss has been described as a significant blow to Libya and its military, as Mr. al-Haddad held a pivotal role in leading and unifying the Libyan Armed Forces under the recognized Government of National Unity. This event underscores the ongoing challenges facing Libya as it navigates the complexities of governance and military leadership amid ongoing instability.
