[kellyhound]

Libya’s Chief of General Staff, Gen Muhammad Ali Ahmad al-Haddad & four others were killed in an air crash after their plane departed Ankara for Tripoli.

He originated from Misrata, a key city in western Libya, and rose to prominence after the 2011 Libyan Revolution.

He commanded major military units, including "Loai al-Halbus" (later known as Battalion 301 Infantry), which played significant roles in post-revolution conflicts.

In 2017, authorities appointed him commander of the Central Military Region. He contributed to securing areas, facilitating the return of displaced people (e.g., from Tawergha), and managing ceasefires in southern Tripoli in 2018.

In August 2020, the then-Presidential Council (under the Government of National Accord) appointed him Chief of General Staff, promoting him to Lieutenant General.

He became a central figure in UN-brokered efforts to unify Libya's divided military institutions through the 5+5 Joint Military Committee.

He engaged in high-level meetings with counterparts from eastern Libya (aligned with Khalifa Haftar), as well as international partners, to promote military integration, border security, and stability.

Al-Haddad maintained strong ties with Turkey, Libya's key military ally. He visited Turkish officials multiple times, including a controversial 2021 visit to a Turkish frigate off Libya's coast.

On December 23, 2025,, the day of his death, he held official meetings in Ankara with Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler and Chief of General Staff Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu to discuss military cooperation.

The crash killed all on board, including four other senior Libyan officials:Major General Al-Fitouri Ghribil (Chief of Staff of Ground Forces)

Brigadier General Mahmoud al-Qatawi (Director of Military Manufacturing Authority)

Muhammad al-Asawi Diab (Adviser)

Muhammad Omar Ahmed Mahjoub (Photographer)

A senior Turkish official said three crew members also died in the crash and that the plane requested an emergency landing because of an electrical failure.

Initial reports indicate a technical failure, with no evidence of sabotage.

[Mr.NoCredit]

That’s too bad really. High ranking Military officers take years in the making. Not so easily replaced.