(TNND) — Six U.S. service members died in a KC-135 refueling plane crash in Iraq on Thursday at approximately 2 p.m., according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
Initially, the military reported four fatalities, later confirming the number as six. The jet was supporting operations in western Iran at the time of the incident.
“The circumstances of the incident are under investigation,” CENTCOM stated, adding that rescue efforts are ongoing for two remaining crew members. Authorities clarified that although the crash occurred in “friendly airspace” during Operation Epic Fury, it was not a result of “friendly fire.”
The identities of the deceased service members will be released within 24 hours after notifying next of kin.
In related updates, Yechiel Leiter, the Israeli ambassador to the U.S., confirmed via social media that another plane from the operation landed safely in Israel. This incident has raised the total number of American troops killed in the ongoing Iran conflict to 11.
This crash follows an incident last week where three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses during the same operation. The investigation into the cause of that incident is also ongoing.
The KC-135 Stratotanker is primarily utilized to refuel military aircraft midair, facilitating extended missions without landing. It also plays a role in medical evacuations and surveillance operations.
Editor's note: The Associated Press contributed to this article.