Gen. Muhammad Ali Ahmad al Haddad tragically passed away in a plane crash that occurred shortly after takeoff from Ankara, Turkey, on December 23, 2025, marking a moment of deep sorrow for Libya’s political and military leadership.
The aircraft, a private jet, was carrying an official Libyan military delegation returning home following high-level defense discussions when it encountered a technical malfunction soon after departure, according to confirmations from Libyan officials.
Despite immediate emergency responses, the aircraft was unable to recover, resulting in the loss of all those on board.
Alongside Gen. al Haddad, four senior military officers and three crew members also lost their lives in the incident. The delegation had been in Turkey for meetings focused on military cooperation, security coordination, and broader regional defense matters.
Turkish and Libyan authorities have since begun coordinating investigations to determine the precise cause of the malfunction, with officials emphasizing that a full technical review of the aircraft will be conducted in line with international aviation standards.
Gen. al Haddad served as the top military commander in western Libya and was widely regarded as a central figure in ongoing efforts to restructure and unify Libya’s fragmented military institutions.
Over recent years, he played a prominent role in initiatives aimed at integrating rival armed factions under a unified national command, a critical step in Libya’s long and complex transition toward political stability following years of conflict and division.
His leadership was often described as pragmatic, and he was considered a key interlocutor between political authorities and military leadership.
Libya’s Prime Minister, Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah, expressed profound grief following the announcement of Gen. al Haddad’s death. In an official statement, the prime minister extended condolences to the general’s family, colleagues, and the families of all those who perished in the crash.
He highlighted Gen. al Haddad’s dedication to national service and described his passing as a major loss for Libya at a time when unity and institutional rebuilding remain national priorities.
Other senior Libyan officials echoed these sentiments, noting the general’s role in promoting dialogue and coordination within the armed forces.
The tragedy has resonated beyond Libya’s borders, with regional partners acknowledging Gen. al Haddad’s involvement in defense diplomacy and security cooperation. Flags were lowered at several military installations in western Libya as a sign of mourning, and discussions are reportedly underway regarding official memorial arrangements to honor the victims.
This incident comes at a particularly sensitive moment for Libya, as the country continues to navigate political negotiations, security reforms, and efforts to strengthen state institutions. The loss of a senior military figure so closely tied to these processes underscores the challenges Libya faces on its path toward lasting stability.
As investigations continue, Libyans across the political spectrum have called for unity and calm, emphasizing that the work toward national reconciliation and security must continue in honor of those who lost their lives.
