Tripoli, December 24, 2025 – The President of the Presidential Council – the Supreme Commander of the Libyan Army – offered his condolences to all the people of Libya for the painful loss represented in the passing of the Chief of the General Staff, First Lieutenant General Mohamed Ali Al-Haddad, member of the 55 Military Committee and Chief of Staff of the Ground Forces, Lieutenant General Al-Fitouri Khalifa Gharibail, and the Director of the Military Manufacturing Authority, Brigadier Mahmoud Al-Qatwi, and their companions, following a tragic accident and a painful disaster during their return to the capital, Tripoli, coming from an official mission from the Republic of Turkey.
A statement announced a general mourning period in the name of the Supreme Commander throughout the nation for three days, with flags lowered at half-mast in all state institutions and military units.
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 became a significant part of the Roman Empire and the Ottoman Empire, with its old city, the Medina, showcasing a rich blend of architectural and cultural influences from these periods.
Libya
Libya is a North African country with a rich history that includes ancient Phoenician and Greek settlements, most notably at Cyrene, and later Roman rule. It was part of the Ottoman Empire before Italian colonization in the early 20th century, gaining independence as a kingdom in 1951 and later becoming a republic under Muammar Gaddafi from 1969 until 2011. The country is home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the archaeological site of Leptis Magna, which testify to its significant historical legacy.
Libyan Army
The Libyan Army is the official military force of Libya, originally established after the country gained independence in 1951. It has been fragmented and involved in significant conflict since the 2011 civil war and the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, with various factions vying for control.
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.
