Rescuers Search Wreckage After Libyan Military Jet Crashes Near Ankara Killing Army Chief | Video

Last Updated:December 24, 2025, 08:03 IST

The aircraft was carrying Libya’s Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, along with several other officers and crew members.

Libyan Army Chief (Left) Killed as Military Jet Crashes Near Ankara

A private jet carrying senior Libyan military officials crashed near Ankara, Turkey, killing all on board. Video shared by Anadolu Agency shows rescue teams searching through wreckage scattered across open land as emergency crews worked through the night.

The aircraft was carrying Libya’s Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, along with several other officers and crew members.

What we know about the crash?

The Falcon 50 jet took off from Ankara’s Esenboğa Airport at around 8.30 pm local time on December 23, 2025. The flight had departed shortly after high-level defence talks between Libyan and Turkish officials.

Around 40 minutes after take-off, the aircraft reportedly developed an electrical fault. The pilots contacted air traffic control and requested an emergency landing. However, the jet later disappeared from radar screens. Witnesses reported seeing a bright flash in the sky, followed by what appeared to be an explosion.

The wreckage was later found in the Haymana district, about 70 kilometres south of Ankara.

Video shared by Anadolu Agency shows rescuers searching through debris after a jet, carrying a number of Libyan military officials including Chief of Staff of the Libyan Armed Forces, General Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad, crashed around 40 minutes after takeoff from Ankara pic.twitter.com/bhEkF4a4jB— Rudaw English (@RudawEnglish) December 23, 2025

Senior officials among the dead

Libyan authorities confirmed that Lieutenant General al-Haddad was killed in the crash. Four other Libyan officers also died, along with three crew members.

Those killed included adviser Mohammed Al-Assawi, Major Generals Al-Fitouri Ghraibil and Mohammed Jumaa, and escort officer Mohammed Al-Mahjoub. All passengers on board the aircraft were confirmed dead at the scene.

Rescue efforts

Footage released by Anadolu Agency shows rescuers combing through debris, using torches and heavy equipment to search the crash site. Emergency teams secured the area while investigators began their work.

Turkish prosecutors have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. A Libyan delegation has been sent to Turkey to assist with a joint inquiry.

News world Rescuers Search Wreckage After Libyan Military Jet Crashes Near Ankara Killing Army Chief | Video

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