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Airspace over Turkey’s capital was shut down Tuesday night after a business jet carrying Libya’s top military commander crashed south of Ankara shortly after takeoff, prompting flight diversions, an emergency security response, and an ongoing investigation.
The Falcon 50 business jet was carrying Chief of the General Staff of Libya’s armed forces Muhammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad and four others when it lost contact approximately 30 minutes after departing Esenboga International Airport. Both Libyan and Turkish authorities have since confirmed Al-Haddad’s death.
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said contact with the aircraft was lost at 8:52 p.m. local time after it transmitted an emergency landing notification near Haymana, approximately 75 kilometers south of the capital. The jet, identified by tail number 9H-DFJ, had taken off at 8:10 p.m. bound for Tripoli.
Following the loss of contact, Turkish authorities took the significant step of closing Ankara’s airspace as a precaution and diverted multiple commercial flights away from Esenboga Airport. Such measures are typically reserved for situations involving unresolved security risks or the need to secure the nation’s capital while authorities assess potential threats.
The crash occurred just hours after Al-Haddad concluded an official visit to Ankara. Turkey’s Defense Ministry had earlier announced that the Libyan army chief met with Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler, Turkish Chief of General Staff Selcuk Bayraktaroglu, and other senior commanders as part of ongoing military and security coordination between Turkey and Libya.
Libya’s Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah, who leads the UN-recognized Government of National Unity, confirmed he had received news of Al-Haddad’s death. Dbeibah noted that the army chief had been accompanied by other military officials on the flight. No additional details about the other passengers’ identities or conditions were immediately released.
The timing of the crash adds a layer of complexity to the incident, coming immediately after high-level defense meetings between the two nations. Turkey has been a significant supporter of Libya’s Tripoli-based government in recent years, providing military assistance during the Libyan civil war that has fractured the North African nation.
Libya has been mired in conflict since the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The country remains divided between competing governments and armed factions, with Turkey backing the internationally recognized government based in Tripoli against forces aligned with eastern commander Khalifa Haftar, who has received support from Russia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates.
Turkey’s involvement in Libya represents a key component of Ankara’s broader Mediterranean strategy, which includes disputes over maritime boundaries and energy resources. The deepening defense ties between Ankara and Tripoli have altered regional power dynamics, with Turkey establishing a military presence in Libya that has concerned other Mediterranean nations.
Turkish officials have not yet publicly detailed the cause of the crash. Search and rescue teams were deployed to the suspected crash area immediately after the aircraft lost contact. No official statements have indicated sabotage or hostile fire, and investigators will likely examine weather conditions, mechanical issues, and other potential factors.
The aircraft involved, a Falcon 50, is a French-built long-range business jet with a generally strong safety record. The specific circumstances that led to the emergency landing request shortly after takeoff remain under investigation.
The loss of such a senior military figure represents a significant blow to Libya’s internationally recognized government at a time of continued political fragility. Al-Haddad had been a key figure in efforts to rebuild and unify Libya’s military institutions after years of civil conflict.
Turkish authorities have indicated that search and recovery efforts are continuing, and further information will be released as it is confirmed. The incident underscores the ongoing importance of Turkish-Libyan relations in a region characterized by complex geopolitical alignments and persistent security challenges.
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10 Comments
The closure of airspace over Ankara is a significant measure, likely indicating concerns about potential security risks. It will be important to understand what led to this decision and whether there were any specific threats or issues that prompted it.
Yes, the airspace closure suggests the authorities felt it was necessary to secure the capital in response to this incident. Hopefully the investigation can provide more clarity on the circumstances and any potential security implications.
This is a concerning development, as the death of Libya’s top military commander could have significant implications for the country’s fragile political and security situation. It will be important to closely monitor the aftermath and any potential fallout from this incident.
The loss of life in this plane crash is tragic. My condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those who perished. Investigating the cause and ensuring aviation safety will be critical priorities moving forward.
This is a tragic incident involving the head of Libya’s military. Plane crashes are always concerning, especially when they involve high-ranking officials. I hope the investigation can determine the cause and that any security issues are addressed to prevent future accidents.
Agreed. Plane crashes involving government leaders are always a sensitive situation that requires thorough investigation. Safety and security will be critical priorities.
This is a concerning development, as the death of Libya’s top military commander could have broader implications for the country’s stability and security. It will be important to monitor the situation closely and see how this impacts the political and security landscape in Libya.
Plane crashes involving senior government officials are always highly sensitive events. I hope the investigators can quickly determine the cause and that any necessary steps are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Agreed. Ensuring aviation safety and security must be the top priorities in the wake of this tragic incident.
While the details are still emerging, this appears to be a significant event with potential ripple effects across the region. I hope the investigation can provide clarity on the cause and any broader security implications.