Conspiracy clouds Libyan army chief’s death: Plane crash in Turkey follows Asim Munir's meeting with rebel Khalifa Haftar

The fatal incident occurred just days after Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir held high-profile meetings with eastern Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar, raising questions over timing, motives, and geopolitics.

The Falcon 50 business jet lost contact shortly after take-off from Ankara’s Esenboga Airport on Tuesday night, killing Al-Haddad and four senior Libyan military officials.

Turkish and Libyan authorities have described the crash as an accident, but the broader political context has fueled conspiracy theories across regional and diplomatic circles.

Death comes at a politically charged moment

Al-Haddad’s death comes at a particularly sensitive juncture for Libya, which remains divided between rival power centres in Tripoli and Benghazi.

Only days earlier, Pakistan and Libya reportedly finalised a military equipment deal worth more than $4 billion, according to media reports.

The agreement followed meetings between General Asim Munir and senior Libyan military leaders aligned with Khalifa Haftar in eastern Libya.

The deal, described by Pakistani officials as strategically significant, has drawn scrutiny because it allegedly violates a long-standing United Nations arms embargo on Libya.

The officials cited in the report spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions.

Munir–Haftar engagement raises eyebrows

During his interaction with Libyan commanders in Benghazi, Munir reportedly stressed the importance of fearlessness in nation-building and claimed Pakistan relied largely on indigenous defence technology during its recent military confrontation with India.

He also asserted that Pakistan’s forces had destroyed advanced Indian assets, including Rafale jets and the S-400 air defence system—claims that India has categorically rejected.

Munir further told Saddam Khalifa Haftar, deputy commander of the Libyan National Army, that Pakistan was prepared to share military technology with Libya.

He described Libya as a “brotherly nation” and emphasised the role of strong armed forces in ensuring national survival.

Al-Haddad and Haftar: Rivals on opposite sides

Lieutenant General Al-Haddad was the army chief under Libya’s UN-recognised Government of National Unity based in Tripoli.

He was widely regarded as a key military opponent of Khalifa Haftar, whose eastern-based Libyan National Army has repeatedly challenged the authority of the internationally recognised government.

Al-Haddad’s forces actively resisted Haftar’s earlier military campaigns, including the failed offensive to seize Tripoli.

While Haftar is viewed by many international actors as a strongman or warlord, his supporters portray him as a stabilising force backed at various times by Egypt, the UAE, and Russia.

Questions over timing and motive

The sudden death of a senior military rival, so soon after high-stakes foreign military negotiations involving Haftar’s camp, has inevitably raised suspicions.

Analysts note that Al-Haddad’s removal could shift internal military balances within Libya, potentially benefiting eastern factions at a time of renewed international engagement.

While no evidence has emerged to suggest foul play, the coincidence of events has sparked intense debate in Libyan media and political circles, with some questioning whether the crash was purely accidental or part of a broader regional power struggle.

What happened to the aircraft?

According to Turkish authorities, the jet departed Ankara at around 8:10 pm local time and lost contact roughly 40 minutes later.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said the aircraft issued an emergency landing request near the Haymana district before communication ceased at approximately 8:52 pm.

Turkish broadcaster CNNTurk reported that the aircraft had declared an electrical malfunction and requested permission to return to Esenboga Airport.

The jet, which reportedly had a French crew of three, disappeared from radar shortly afterwards.

Full investigation underway

Turkey’s Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc confirmed that a comprehensive investigation has been launched, with authorities examining all aspects of the incident.

Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah described the crash as a “tragic accident” and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.

The other deceased officials included Major General Al-Fitouri Ghreibel, Chief of Staff of the Ground Forces; Brigadier General Mahmoud Al-Qatioui, head of the Military Manufacturing Authority; adviser Mohamed Al-Asawi Diab; and media office photographer Mohamed Omar Ahmed Mahjoub.

Earlier the same day, Turkey’s armed forces had formally received Al-Haddad with a military ceremony in Ankara, where he met Turkish Chief of the General Staff General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu, underscoring the high-level nature of his visit.

A death that raises more questions than answers

As investigations continue, Al-Haddad’s death has left Libya’s already fragile political and military landscape even more uncertain.

With regional powers deepening their involvement and rival factions vying for advantage, the crash has become more than a tragic accident—it has become a flashpoint for speculation, suspicion, and geopolitical intrigue.

Who was Mohammed al-Haddad?

Political observers and analysts described al-Haddad as a rare unifying figure in Libya’s deeply fragmented security landscape.

A career soldier, he supported the 2011 uprising against Gaddafi but later gained respect for resisting pressure from powerful militias that dominate large parts of western Libya.

Al-Haddad was widely seen as an advocate for reconciliation between Libya’s rival administrations in Tripoli and Benghazi.

Many Libyans viewed him as a stabilising force and a credible partner in negotiations aimed at ending years of conflict and restoring unified state institutions.

He had served as Libya’s chief of general staff since August 2020, having been appointed by then-Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj.

During his tenure, he worked closely with international partners, including Turkey, which has provided military training, logistical support, and strategic backing to the Tripoli-based government.

Turkey and Libya have deepened ties in recent years, signing agreements on maritime boundaries and energy exploration, while Ankara has also sought to expand contacts with Libya’s eastern faction under its “One Libya” policy.

The sudden death of Mohammed al-Haddad not only removes a key military leader but also injects new uncertainty into Libya’s already fragile political and security environment, as investigations continue into one of the most significant aviation tragedies involving the country’s leadership in recent years.