A private jet carrying senior Libyan military officials has gone missing in Turkey, with fears that it may have crashed southwest of the capital city of Ankara. The Dassault Falcon 50 aircraft, which had five passengers on board, including Libyan Chief of Staff General Muhammad Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, lost contact with ground services about 40 minutes after taking off from Ankara’s Esenboga Airport.
According to Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, the plane had requested an emergency landing before communication was lost. The delegation was in Turkey for talks earlier in the day, with General al-Haddad scheduled to meet with Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler.
Circulating online is CCTV footage that appears to show a massive explosion lighting up the sky above Ankara, believed to be linked to the plane’s disappearance. However, it is unclear whether the explosion occurred mid-air or on the ground.
The incident comes as Libya’s military and political landscape remains complex, with various international actors involved. The loss of the plane and its passengers, if confirmed, would be a significant development in the region.
Turkish authorities have confirmed the loss of contact and are investigating the incident. As the situation unfolds, more details are expected to emerge. The international community is watching the developments closely, given the seniority of the officials on board and the potential implications for regional stability.
The cause of the disappearance and the status of the passengers remain unknown, pending further investigation. Turkish officials will likely provide updates as more information becomes available. The incident highlights the importance of air safety and the need for effective communication systems in emergency situations.
As the search for the missing plane continues, the international community waits for news on the fate of the Libyan delegation. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with air travel and the importance of ensuring the safety of all passengers.