Libya’s military chief and seven others were killed after a private jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Turkey’s capital, Ankara, Libyan officials confirmed on December 24. The aircraft, carrying Gen Muhammad Ali Ahmad Al Haddad, four senior officers and three crew members, reportedly vanished from radar after the crew alerted authorities to a technical malfunction.
The Libyan delegation had been in Ankara for high-level defence talks focused on strengthening military cooperation between Libya and Turkey. Officials said the crash occurred as the team was returning home.
Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah confirmed the deaths, describing the incident as a “tragic accident” and a “great loss” for the country. Turkish authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.
