Libya’s Chief of Staff, Mohammed al-Haddad, and several other senior military officials have been killed in a plane crash in Turkey. The incident occurred on Tuesday shortly after the aircraft departed from Ankara, according to statements from Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah and Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.

Prime Minister Dbeibah announced the tragic news on his Facebook page, expressing profound sorrow over the loss of the nation’s top military leader. He confirmed that al-Haddad, who had held the position of Chief of General Staff since August 2020, was among the deceased.

The wreckage of the plane was discovered by Turkey’s gendarmerie forces. The aircraft reportedly crashed soon after taking off from the Turkish capital. Details surrounding the exact cause of the crash are still under investigation, with authorities working to ascertain the sequence of events leading to the disaster.

In addition to General al-Haddad, several other high-ranking military personnel and a photographer were on board the ill-fated flight. The prime minister described the casualties as a “tragic loss” for Libya, emphasizing their unwavering dedication to national service.

Al-Haddad was appointed to his crucial role by former Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj. His leadership had been instrumental in the ongoing efforts to stabilize Libya’s security apparatus amidst a complex political landscape.

Prime Minister Dbeibah lauded the fallen officials as individuals who served their country with exceptional loyalty and dedication. He highlighted their exemplary commitment to discipline, responsibility, and national interest, underscoring the void their deaths will leave within the Libyan armed forces.

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Keywords: Libya military chief killed, Mohammed al-Haddad plane crash, Libyan army chief dies, Turkey plane accident, military officials killed, Libyan government statement, Abdulhamid Dbeibah, Ali Yerlikaya