Libya on Sunday laid to rest its army chief of staff, General Mohammed al-Haddad, days after he was killed in a plane crash in Turkiye alongside four other senior military officials, an event that has prompted national mourning and renewed questions about military leadership in a divided country.
The burials followed a complex repatriation process and ceremonies in Turkiye and Libya, reflecting both the stature of the deceased and the country’s political fragmentation.
The five officials were returning from Ankara after meetings with Turkish defence officials when their aircraft crashed in central Turkiye, with preliminary findings pointing to a technical failure.
Among those killed were al-Haddad, his adviser Mohamed al-Essawi, military cameraman Mohamed al-Mahjoub, army land forces commander General Fetouri Ghrebil, and military manufacturing chief Mahmoud al-Gedewi.
Identification of the remains required DNA testing, delaying their return to Libya.
A Turkish military ceremony was held before the bodies were flown to Tripoli and then to their respective hometowns.
In Tripoli, officials received the coffins at the damaged international airport rather than Mitiga airport, which is under the control of a rival armed group.
Thousands later gathered in Misrata, al-Haddad’s hometown, for funeral prayers at the city’s football stadium, with local authorities declaring an official holiday to allow attendance.
Al-Haddad was widely viewed as a unifying figure who played a key role in repelling a 2019 offensive on Tripoli and in paving the way for a national ceasefire in 2020.
Even his former adversary, Khalifa Haftar, issued condolences following his death.
The Presidential Council has appointed al-Haddad’s deputy, General Salah al-Namroush, as interim chief of staff, while discussions continue over a permanent replacement.
Political analysts say the decision is likely to be influenced by broader political considerations, as Libya grapples with economic discontent and a delayed cabinet reshuffle.
During memorial ceremonies, officials praised al-Haddad’s role in maintaining stability, while investigations into the crash continue in coordination with Turkiye.