Türkiye loses contact with the plane of Libyan Chief of Staff Mohammed al-Haddad
In a worrying security development that has drawn the attention of political and military circles in the region, Turkish authorities announced on Tuesday that contact had been lost with a plane carrying Lieutenant General Mohammed al-Haddad, Chief of Staff of the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) forces headed by Abdul Hamid Dbeibah. The incident occurred shortly after the plane took off from the Turkish capital, Ankara, prompting an immediate mobilization of search and rescue teams and high-level coordination between Turkish and Libyan authorities.
Details of the incident and initial actions
According to initial reports, the plane carrying the high-ranking Libyan military official disappeared from radar screens under circumstances that remain unclear. No official statements have been released confirming the cause of the incident, whether it was due to a technical malfunction, weather conditions, or other factors. Turkish authorities are currently conducting extensive searches in the area where the plane is believed to have been, amid international anticipation regarding the fate of the Chief of Staff and his companions.
The strategic context of Turkish-Libyan relations
General Mohammed al-Haddad's visit to Ankara comes within the context of close military cooperation between Turkey and the Government of National Accord in Tripoli. The two countries are bound by a memorandum of understanding for security and military cooperation signed in late 2019, which played a crucial role in shifting the balance of power on the ground in Libya at that time. Turkey is considered the most prominent regional backer of the Dbeibah government, providing training programs and military advice to develop the capabilities of the Libyan army in the western region.
The importance of Mohammed al-Haddad in the Libyan scene
Lieutenant General Mohammed al-Haddad is a pivotal figure in the Libyan military establishment, serving as Chief of Staff for the Western Region. His name has recently risen to prominence through his efforts to unify the military, including several historic meetings with his counterpart in the Eastern Region, Lieutenant General Abdul Razzaq al-Nadhuri, within the framework of the Joint Military Commission (5+5) meetings. These efforts aimed to end the military division and solidify the ceasefire, making any harm that might befall him a significant blow to the fragile stability of the country.
Potential local and regional repercussions
This incident carries serious implications given the sensitive timing in Libya, amidst sharp political tensions surrounding executive power and the postponed elections. The absence of a figure of Haddad's stature could lead to a security vacuum or disruption of existing military arrangements, particularly regarding coordination with Turkey. Internationally, capitals concerned with the Libyan issue are following this news with apprehension, as the stability of the military establishment is a cornerstone of any future political solution in Libya.
