Tripoli, December 24, 2025 – The head of the Government of National Unity received condolences from the Turkish President regarding the death of the Chief of the General Staff of the Libyan Army and his aides, who perished in a plane crash while returning from Ankara.
This occurred during a phone call on Wednesday, during which the Turkish President expressed his sorrow and condolences for the Libyan Chief of Staff, who was killed along with 4 aides in a tragic plane accident while returning from Ankara.
The Turkish President affirmed the sympathy of the Republic of Turkey and its solidarity with Libya during this painful humanitarian circumstance, expressing his solidarity with the families of the deceased and with the Libyan people, and wishing them patience and solace.
The call addressed the latest developments of the incident, confirming the continuation of follow-up and coordination between the relevant authorities in the two countries, in addition to cooperation with the Libyan delegation sent to follow up on related procedures.
Tripoli
Tripoli is the capital and largest city of Libya, with a history dating back to the 7th century BC when it was founded by the Phoenicians. It later came under Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Ottoman, and Italian rule, which is reflected in its historic architecture, such as the Red Castle (Assaraya al-Hamra) and the old medina.
Government of National Unity
The Government of National Unity (GNU) is a term most notably associated with the post-apartheid transitional government in South Africa, formed in 1994 following the country’s first multiracial elections. It was a coalition government led by Nelson Mandela’s African National Congress (ANC) and included other major parties like the National Party and the Inkatha Freedom Party, designed to foster reconciliation and stability during the shift to majority rule.
Turkish President
The Turkish President is the head of state of the Republic of Turkey, a role established with the republic’s founding in 1923. The position, first held by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, was largely ceremonial under a parliamentary system until constitutional changes in 2017 transformed it into a powerful executive presidency.
Chief of the General Staff of the Libyan Army
The Chief of the General Staff of the Libyan Army is the highest-ranking military officer in Libya, leading the country’s armed forces. The position’s authority and the army’s structure have been fragmented and contested since the 2011 revolution and the subsequent civil conflicts, with rival governments in the east and west often appointing their own chiefs.
Libyan Army
The Libyan Army is the official military force of Libya, originally established after the country gained independence in 1951. Its history has been marked by significant fragmentation and conflict, particularly following the 2011 civil war and the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, leading to its division among various rival factions and governments.
Ankara
Ankara is the capital city of Turkey, strategically located in the central Anatolia region. It was declared the capital in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, replacing Istanbul to symbolize the new, modern Turkish Republic. The city’s history dates back millennia, with notable ancient sites like the Roman Temple of Augustus and the Byzantine Ankara Castle.
Republic of Turkey
The Republic of Turkey is a transcontinental nation founded in 1923 from the remnants of the Ottoman Empire, following its War of Independence. Its modern secular republic was established by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who implemented sweeping political, legal, and cultural reforms to create a contemporary nation-state.
Libya
Libya is a North African country with a rich history rooted in ancient civilizations like the Phoenicians and Romans, followed by centuries of Arab and Ottoman influence. In the modern era, it was an Italian colony before gaining independence in 1951, later becoming known for Muammar Gaddafi’s lengthy rule from 1969 until the 2011 revolution. Its cultural sites include the well-preserved Roman ruins of Leptis Magna, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
