WASHINGTON — All six crew members aboard a U.S. military KC-135 refueling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq on Thursday have been confirmed dead, the U.S. military announced on Friday.
The crash occurred on March 12 and involved another aircraft, although authorities confirmed it was not due to hostile or friendly fire.
This incident brings the total number of U.S. service members killed in operations against Iran since February 28 to seven, following a recent increase in military activity in the region.
According to U.S. Central Command, “The circumstances of the incident are under investigation. However, the loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire.”
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated operations against Iran would persist despite the tragic incident, emphasizing the inherent risks involved in military aviation.
A military official confirmed that the other aircraft involved was also a KC-135, which landed safely.
The U.S. military continues to deploy a significant number of aircraft in the Middle East for operations against Iran. The KC-135 has been a vital asset since its introduction in the 1950s, ensuring that military missions can be conducted effectively.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an Iran-backed militia group, has claimed responsibility for downing the aircraft, escalating tensions in the region.
President Donald Trump and military officials have warned that the escalating conflict could result in increased casualties among U.S. forces.
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