Libya Army Chief Dies in Plane Crash Near Ankara

Libya Army Chief dies in plane crash after a flight from Ankara to Tripoli crashed following a technical failure.

The aircraft took off from Esenboğa Airport in Ankara for Libya’s capital, Tripoli. Soon after takeoff, the plane developed a sudden technical fault.

About 30 minutes into the flight, the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control. The pilot tried to return to Ankara. However, the plane crashed before landing.

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The aircraft carried five people on board. Libya’s Chief of Army Staff was among them. Libya’s Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh confirmed the death of the army chief.

Reports said General Muhammad Ali Al-Haddad visited Turkey earlier in the day. He met Turkey’s defense minister during the visit. The crash happened while he was returning to Libya.

After the incident, Turkey temporarily closed its airspace. Authorities placed search and rescue teams and security agencies on high alert.

Turkey’s interior minister said the plane departed at 8:10 pm. Contact ended at 8:52 pm. Officials received information about an emergency landing near Haymana, but communication did not resume.

The investigation continues as officials work to determine the exact cause. Libya Army Chief dies in plane crash, marking a major loss for the country’s military leadership.