Ankara: Prime Minister of Libya's internationally recognized government, Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, announced on Tuesday the tragic deaths of Libyan army's chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Mohammad Al-Haddad, and his four companions in a plane crash in Turkiye. The incident occurred while they were returning from an official visit to Ankara.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the companions of Lt. Gen. Al-Haddad included Al-Fitouri Gharibil, chief of ground forces, Mahmoud Al-Qatawi, head of the military manufacturing authority, Mohammed Al-Asawi, military advisor, and Mohammed Al-Mahjoub, a reporter traveling with the delegation. The group was on an official visit to engage in meetings with Turkish officials.
The Libyan cabinet, referencing Dbeibeh's social media page, expressed profound sorrow over the loss. Dbeibeh described the incident as a "painful" event and a significant loss for Libya, its military institution, and its people. He emphasized the dedication and commitment of the deceased, extending condolences to their families.
Meanwhile, Turkish interior minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that air navigation authorities lost contact with the Falcon-50 aircraft carrying Al-Haddad and his companions shortly after it departed from Ankara Esenboga Airport. The aircraft's wreckage was later discovered in Ankara's Haymana district. In response, all flights at the airport were temporarily suspended, though further details were not provided.