Flags lowered across Libya as nation mourns army chief

Libya’s rival governments have declared three days of official mourning across the country following the death of the Chief of the General Staff, Mohamed Al-Haddad, and several accompanying officials in a plane crash.

In parallel statements, the Government of National Unity and the administration appointed by the House of Representatives announced that flags would be flown at half-mast at all state institutions, while official events and celebratory activities would be suspended during the mourning period.

The two governments said the decision was taken in tribute to Al-Haddad and his companions, who were killed when the aircraft carrying them crashed while returning from an official mission to Ankara, Turkey.

Government bodies and public institutions across Libya began lowering flags at their headquarters, while several army units also announced that the national flag had been flown at half-mast at military sites in honour of the victims.