Libya’s Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad, was killed in a devastating plane crash near Ankara, Turkey. The incident occurred on Tuesday (December 24) shortly after the private jet carrying him took off from an airport in the Turkish capital.

According to Turkish authorities, all passengers on board were killed in the crash. The victims include four senior Libyan military officials and three crew members. Preliminary investigations have found no evidence of sabotage, and officials believe a mechanical failure caused the accident.

The other deceased officials were identified as Libya’s Ground Forces Commander General Al-Fitouri Gharibib, Head of the Military Manufacturing Authority Brigadier General Mahmoud Al-Qatawi, Chief of Staff Advisor Mohammed Al-Asabi Diab, and military photographer Mohammed Omar Ahmed Mahjoub.

Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah confirmed Al-Haddad’s death in a Facebook statement, expressing deep sorrow over the loss. He stated that the delegation was returning home when the tragic accident occurred, calling it an irreparable loss for the nation and its armed forces.

Mohammed Al-Haddad was one of western Libya’s most influential military commanders and played a key role in UN-backed efforts to unify the country following years of political and military division after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi.