The chief of staff of the Libyan army, Mohamed Al-Haddad, died Monday in a plane crash in Turkey, multiple news agencies reported. Al-Haddad and a delegation were reportedly returning from a meeting in Doha,Qatar,focused on strengthening military cooperation between the two nations. The crash is prompting an investigation by Turkish authorities, who have recovered the flight recorder, and has drawn immediate condolences from regional leaders as Libya continues a fragile transition toward stability.
Libyan Army Chief Dies in Plane Crash in Turkey
The chief of staff of the Libyan army, Mohamed Al-Haddad, died in a plane crash in Turkey on Monday, according to multiple reports. The incident, which occurred while the delegation was returning from a visit, has prompted investigations and expressions of condolences from regional leaders.
Turkish authorities have recovered the flight recorder, or “black box,” from the wreckage, and are conducting the analysis in a neutral country, Turkey’s Minister of Transport announced. The investigation aims to determine the cause of the crash, which involved a plane carrying a Libyan delegation.
Early reports indicate the aircraft went down in an unspecified location in Turkey. Details surrounding the crash remain limited as authorities continue to assess the situation.
Qatar’s Prince Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani offered his condolences to the President of the Libyan Presidential Council, according to the Qatar News Agency. The gesture highlights the regional significance of the incident and the close ties between Qatar and Libya.
Al-Haddad’s death comes at a sensitive time for Libya, as the country continues to navigate a complex political landscape and efforts to unify its military institutions. He had been a key figure in attempts to consolidate the country’s armed forces. The development underscores the fragility of the ongoing peace process and the challenges facing Libya’s transition.
Greek media outlets have reported that there were fatalities among the Libyan delegation, though the exact number remains unconfirmed. The reports suggest a significant loss of life in the crash.
The Egyptian newspaper Al-Masry Al-Youm published a profile of Al-Haddad, detailing his efforts to unify Libya’s military. The article highlights his background and his role in attempting to bring together the country’s fragmented armed forces.
