What Happened to the Libyan Army Chief in the Jet Crash?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a tragic incident near Ankara, the black box and cockpit voice recorder of a private jet, which crashed and claimed the lives of Libya's army chief and several others, have been recovered. This report explores the details surrounding the crash and the ongoing investigations.
Key Takeaways
- The black box and cockpit voice recorder from the crashed jet have been recovered.
- A Libyan delegation is present in Ankara to assist with the investigation.
- The jet crash resulted in the deaths of high-ranking military officials.
- The Libyan government has declared three days of national mourning.
- Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the crash.
Ankara, Dec 24 (NationPress) The cockpit voice recorder and black box from a private jet that crashed close to Turkey’s capital, Ankara, resulting in the deaths of Libya's army chief and other passengers, were retrieved from the aircraft's wreckage on Wednesday, as reported by Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.
During a press briefing, Yerlikaya mentioned that the wreckage was scattered over an area of approximately three square kilometers.
"Thanks to the efforts of teams from the Transportation Safety Investigation Centre of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, the voice recorder was located in the wreckage area at 2:45 AM (2345 GMT Tuesday), while the black box was found at 3:20 AM (local time)," Anadolu News Agency quoted the Minister.
Yerlikaya also revealed that a 22-member Libyan delegation, which included five family members of the deceased, representatives from the Defence Ministry, and officials from the Interior Ministry, had arrived in Ankara. "We are equally eager to uncover [the cause of the crash], but these devices will provide crucial information, which the authorities will disclose to the public," he stated.
In the meantime, a contingent of military officials from Libya is reportedly investigating the debris of the private jet.
The private jet, which was carrying the victims, crashed shortly after taking off from Ankara. Yerlikaya stated that the wreckage of the Falcon 50 jet was found by Turkish gendarmerie units near Kesikkavak village in Ankara's Haymana district.
He noted that the aircraft had sent out an emergency landing signal near Haymana, but further communication ceased thereafter.
Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah confirmed the fatalities, indicating that Army Chief of Staff Mohammed al-Haddad and other senior military officials were killed when the aircraft went down while returning from an official visit to Turkey. He assured that the government would investigate "the circumstances surrounding the crash."
The Libyan Government of National Unity has declared three days of national mourning following the loss of these senior military officials.
“The Government of National Unity announces official national mourning across Libya for three days, during which flags will be flown at half-mast at all state institutions, and all celebratory and official events will be suspended. This mourning is for the souls of the Chief of the General Staff of the Libyan Army, Lieutenant General Mohammed Al-Haddad, and his companions, who tragically lost their lives during their return from an official mission in Ankara, Turkey,” as per the statement from the Libyan Government.
Point of View
It's imperative to address this devastating event with the utmost sensitivity and factual integrity. The loss of Libya's military leaders in such a tragic way raises significant concerns regarding aviation safety and the need for thorough investigations. Nations often share their grief in times of loss, and it is crucial to respect the families affected while providing transparent updates on the findings.
NationPress
24/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the jet crash?
The exact cause of the jet crash is currently under investigation, and the retrieved black box and cockpit voice recorder are expected to provide essential insights.
Who was aboard the private jet?
The private jet was carrying Libya's Army Chief, Mohammed al-Haddad, and several other senior military officials.
What actions are being taken by the Libyan government?
The Libyan Government of National Unity has announced three days of national mourning and is conducting an investigation into the circumstances of the crash.
Where did the crash occur?
The crash occurred near Ankara, Turkey, specifically in the Haymana district.
What is being done to recover more information?
Teams from the Transportation Safety Investigation Centre are analyzing the wreckage and the data from the recovered devices.
