Trukey(The COW News Digital)A tragic plane crash near Turkey’s capital Ankara has claimed the lives of Libya’s Army Chief and four other members of his delegation, officials confirmed early Wednesday. The aircraft was en route from Ankara to Libya’s capital Tripoli when it went down after reportedly developing a technical fault shortly after takeoff.
According to Turkish authorities, the aircraft departed from Ankara’s Esenboğa Airport at approximately 8:10 pm local time. Around 42 minutes later, air traffic control lost contact with the plane at 8:52 pm. Moments before communication was cut, the crew had reportedly informed controllers about an emergency situation and an attempted landing near the Haymana district, located southwest of Ankara.
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Turkish Interior Ministry sources stated that rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the area after radar contact was lost. Turkish media later confirmed that search and rescue units had reached the crash site and recovered the wreckage, confirming that all five people on board had died in the incident.
Initial investigations suggest that the aircraft experienced a sudden technical malfunction roughly 30 minutes after takeoff. After losing contact with air traffic control, the pilot reportedly attempted to turn the aircraft back toward Ankara for an emergency landing. However, the plane crashed before it could safely land.
Libya’s Prime Minister officially confirmed the death of Army Chief Lieutenant General Mohamed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad, stating that he was traveling from Ankara to Tripoli when the accident occurred. The Prime Minister expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended condolences to the families of the victims and to the Libyan armed forces.
Those killed in the crash also include Brigadier General Mahmoud Al-Qatawi, senior advisor Al-Assawi, and other high-ranking military personnel. Reports indicate that Lieutenant General Al-Fattouri was also among the passengers on board the ill-fated flight.
The crash has sent shockwaves through Libya’s political and military leadership, as General Al-Haddad was considered a key figure in the country’s security structure. Condolences and messages of sympathy have poured in from Libyan officials and regional leaders.
Turkish aviation authorities have launched a formal investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. Officials stated that technical data from the aircraft and air traffic control records will be thoroughly reviewed. Further details are expected to emerge as investigators continue their work.
