A private jet carrying Libya’s top military commander and several senior defence officials crashed shortly after taking off from Turkey’s capital, Ankara, on Tuesday night. All passengers and crew members on board were killed in the accident, authorities from both Libya and Turkey confirmed.

The aircraft was returning to Libya after a high-level defence visit to Turkey. Initial information shared by officials suggests that a technical issue may have led to the crash.

Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah confirmed the death of General Muhammad Ali Ahmad al-Haddad, calling the incident a “tragic accident” and a “great loss for the nation.” In a statement, Dbeibah expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and extended condolences to the families of those killed.

General al-Haddad was the chief military commander in western Libya and was considered one of the most important figures in Libya’s military leadership. He played a major role in United Nations-backed efforts to reunify Libya’s armed forces, which have remained divided since the 2011 conflict.

Along with General al-Haddad, four other senior Libyan military officials lost their lives in the crash, including General Al-Fitouri Ghraibil, head of Libya’s ground forces, Brigadier General Mahmoud Al-Qatawi, chief of the military manufacturing authority, Mohammed Al-Asawi Diab, adviser to the chief of staff, Mohammed Omar Ahmed Mahjoub and a military photographer attached to the chief of staff’s office

In addition, three crew members were also on board the aircraft. Their identities had not been released at the time of reporting.

Turkish authorities said the aircraft was a Falcon 50 business jet. It took off from Esenboga Airport in Ankara at around 8:30 pm local time. About 40 minutes after takeoff, air traffic controllers lost contact with the jet. Before communication was cut off, the crew had reported an electrical malfunction and requested an emergency landing.

According to Turkish officials, the plane was instructed to return to Ankara. However, while descending, it disappeared from radar. The wreckage was later found near Kesikkavak village in the Haymana district, approximately 70 kilometres south of Ankara.

Local television channels in Turkey aired security camera footage showing a sudden bright flash lighting up the night sky over the Haymana area. The footage is believed to have captured the moment the aircraft crashed.

Emergency teams were immediately sent to the area to carry out search and recovery operations. Following the crash, Ankara’s airport was temporarily shut down as a safety measure, and several flights were diverted to other airports.

Turkey’s Justice Ministry announced that four prosecutors have been appointed to investigate the cause of the crash. Officials said a detailed technical and legal inquiry is underway to determine what went wrong.

Libyan authorities also stated that they will send a technical team to Ankara to work with Turkish investigators. The aim is to ensure a joint and transparent investigation into the incident.

The Libyan delegation had been in Ankara for discussions focused on strengthening military cooperation between Libya and Turkey. During the visit, General al-Haddad met Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler and other senior Turkish officials.

Officials from both sides said the meetings were part of ongoing efforts to enhance defence ties and coordination.

The deaths of senior military officials have sent shockwaves through Libya’s political and military circles. General al-Haddad’s role in efforts to reunify the country’s armed forces made him a key figure in Libya’s security structure.

Calling his death a “great loss,” Prime Minister Dbeibah said the nation had lost an important leader at a critical time. He also praised al-Haddad’s contributions to Libya’s military and national unity efforts.

As investigations continue, authorities in both Turkey and Libya have said they will share findings once more information becomes available.

For now, the focus remains on understanding the exact cause of the crash and honouring those who lost their lives in what officials have described as a tragic accident.