U.S. Military Aircraft Crash in Western Iraq Claims Six Lives
WASHINGTON — Six crew members aboard a U.S. military refueling aircraft were killed in a crash in western Iraq on Thursday, March 12, authorities said.
The incident involved a second aircraft, but officials confirmed there was no hostile or friendly fire involved. The crash adds to the rising toll of U.S. service members, bringing the total to 13 fatalities since operations against Iran commenced on February 28.
The U.S. Central Command stated the circumstances of the crash are under investigation. “The loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire,” a spokesperson said.
A U.S. official reported the second plane involved was another KC-135 refueling aircraft that landed safely. The U.S. has increased its military presence in the Middle East as tensions rise.
The KC-135 Stratotanker, manufactured by Boeing, has been integral to military air operations since the 1950s. The crash highlights the risks associated with air refueling missions.
Eyewitnesses at the scene reported seeing emergency response teams from multiple agencies, but details on injuries to personnel on the ground or in the second aircraft remain unconfirmed.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to determine what led to the crash.
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