Delay in Funeral Plans Due to DNA Testing After Jet Crash Claims Lives of Libyan Army Chief
The tragic jet crash near Ankara that claimed the life of Libya’s army chief, along with seven others, has led to delays in funeral arrangements as investigations continue. Coordinated efforts between Libyan and Turkish officials are underway to examine the wreckage and repatriate the victims’ bodies. This article delves into the ongoing investigation, the impact of the event on funeral plans, and highlights the profile of the fallen military leader.
Investigative Collaboration Between Libya and Turkiye
In response to the devastating plane crash, officials from Libya and Turkiye have intensified their collaborative efforts. Major General Mahmoud Ashour, head of Libya’s Criminal Investigation Department, led a delegation to the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office to discuss the investigation that follows the incident. This visit was part of a series of consultations with Turkish prosecutors who are managing the case.
The Crash Details
On Tuesday, a private jet carrying Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad, Libya’s army chief of staff, encountered an electrical malfunction shortly after departing from Ankara Esenboga Airport. The aircraft, intended for Tripoli, made an emergency landing request just 16 minutes post-takeoff. Air traffic controllers managed to redirect the Dassault Falcon 50 back towards the airport, but unfortunately, radar contact was lost three minutes later during its descent.
The wreckage was eventually discovered near Kesikkavak village in Ankara’s Haymana district, where all eight aboard, including three crew members, tragically perished. The Turkish Ministry of Interior promptly initiated emergency operations while various authorities commenced investigations into the crash’s cause.
Delayed Funeral Arrangements
Reporting from Misrata, Libya, Al Jazeera correspondent Malik Traina provided updates on the complicated situation regarding funeral preparations for Al-Haddad. Initially scheduled for the next day, the funeral has faced potential postponement due to the ongoing recovery efforts. “We received information that government officials indicated the funeral prayer might be delayed until Saturday,” Traina reported. The delays stem from the challenging nature of the recovery process, exacerbated by the widespread scattering of remains and the necessity of DNA testing to ensure proper identification.
Pressures in the Recovery Process
Traina described the urgency surrounding the recovery, noting the extensive pressure to complete the process swiftly. “There’s significant pressure for that process to finish as soon as possible. Whether or not that will happen remains to be seen.” He emphasized Al-Haddad’s commitment to strengthening military institutions in a region fraught with rival armed groups and militias.
Conclusion
The tragic accident underscores the complexities of managing both the investigation into the cause and the respectful handling of the lives lost. As authorities work diligently towards uncovering the circumstances behind the crash and coordinating funeral services, the families of the victims remain in a challenging position, waiting for closure amid the ongoing investigations.
- Collaboration between Libya and Turkiye has intensified for crash investigations.
- DNA testing is required for proper identification of victims due to widespread remains.
- Funeral arrangements for Al-Haddad may face delays amid recovery efforts.
- The fallen army chief was focused on strengthening Libya’s military institutions in a divided region.