Libya's Army Chief Dies in Turkish Plane Crash Tragedy

In a devastating incident, Libya's army chief, General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, was killed in a plane crash in Turkey on Tuesday evening, according to multiple sources, including the Libyan Prime Minister and Turkish Interior Minister. The tragic loss of General al-Haddad and four others marks a significant blow to Libya, as they were in Turkey for talks aimed at strengthening military and security co-operation between the two countries.

The Falcon 50 aircraft, which was headed to Tripoli, had issued an emergency landing request before losing contact with air traffic control, and its wreckage was later found south-west of Ankara. The plane was carrying General al-Haddad and four military officials, who were all killed in the crash.

According to the Libyan Prime Minister, Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, General al-Haddad died after the aircraft lost radio contact above Ankara. "We received the news with great sadness and regret," Prime Minister Dbeibeh said in a statement. "General al-Haddad was a highly respected and experienced military leader who played a crucial role in Libya's security and stability."

The Turkish Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, also confirmed the incident, stating that the plane had crashed in a remote area south-west of Ankara. "We are working closely with the Libyan authorities to investigate the cause of the crash," Minister Yerlikaya said.

General al-Haddad's death is a significant loss for Libya, which has been struggling to maintain stability and security in the wake of the 2011 civil war. The country's internationally recognised government has been working to rebuild its military and security forces, and General al-Haddad's expertise and experience were crucial to these efforts.

The talks between Libya and Turkey aimed at strengthening military and security co-operation were seen as a key step in this process. The two countries have been working together to combat terrorism and organised crime, and General al-Haddad's death is likely to have a significant impact on these efforts.

As the investigation into the cause of the crash continues, the Libyan government has announced a period of mourning for General al-Haddad and the other victims. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks and challenges faced by military leaders and officials in conflict zones around the world.

In a statement, the Libyan government expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and pledged to continue working towards a more stable and secure Libya. The incident is a tragic reminder of the sacrifices made by military leaders and officials in the pursuit of peace and stability.

The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, and it is unclear at this time what led to the loss of contact with air traffic control. The Libyan and Turkish authorities are working together to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

As the situation continues to unfold, the international community is watching with great interest. The loss of General al-Haddad and the other victims is a significant blow to Libya's efforts to rebuild and stabilise its military and security forces. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of continued international support and co-operation in the pursuit of peace and stability in conflict zones around the world.