(TNND) — Six service members are dead following a U.S. military refueling plane crash in Iraq on Thursday at approximately 2 p.m., according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
The KC-135 refueling jet was on a mission in western Iran when it went down. Initial reports indicated four fatalities, but the military later confirmed six deaths.
“Rescue efforts are underway for the other two crew members,” CENTCOM stated. The circumstances surrounding the crash are currently under investigation. Authorities clarified that the incident occurred in a “friendly airspace,” but was not a result of “friendly fire.”
The identities of the deceased service members will be withheld for 24 hours pending notification of next of kin. The crash raises the total number of American troops killed in the Iran conflict to 11, following previous incidents, including the shooting down of three American F-15E Strike Eagles by Kuwaiti forces last week.
The KC-135 Stratotanker is utilized for in-flight refueling, enabling longer missions without landing, and is also involved in medical evacuations and surveillance operations.
No additional details regarding injuries or the status of the remaining crew have been released.
Editor's note: The Associated Press contributed to this article.