US KC-135 Refueling Plane Crashes in Western Iraq Amid Conflicting Reports
A US KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq, while a second plane involved in the operation landed safely, the US military confirmed on Thursday. The incident is reported to be unrelated to hostile or friendly fire, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees American forces in the Middle East.
"One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the second landed safely. This was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire," CENTCOM said in a statement.
In contrast, Iran's military claimed via state television that an allied group in Iraq had shot down the aircraft with a missile, resulting in the deaths of all crew members aboard.
The KC-135 tanker, which has been in service for over 60 years, typically carries a crew of three: a pilot, a copilot, and a boom operator who refuels other aircraft midair. Certain missions may also include a navigator, and the aircraft can transport up to 37 passengers, according to a US Air Force factsheet.
This marks at least the fourth US military aircraft lost during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Earlier in the war, which began on February 28, Kuwaiti forces mistakenly shot down three American F-15E fighters. All six crewmembers ejected safely. CENTCOM noted that the F-15 incident occurred during a period of combat that involved attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones.
The crash underscores continued operational risks for US forces in the region as tensions remain high.
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