KC-135 Crash in Iraq Claims Lives of Six U.S. Service Members
WASHINGTON — Six crew members aboard a U.S. Air Force KC-135 refueling aircraft were confirmed dead following a crash in western Iraq on Thursday, according to military officials.
The incident involved another aircraft but was not attributed to hostile or friendly fire. The circumstances surrounding the crash are currently under investigation, U.S. Central Command stated.
In recent operations against Iran, which began on February 28, this incident marks an additional loss, bringing the total U.S. military fatalities in the region to seven. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that military operations against Iran will persist despite these tragic events.
A U.S. official reported that the second aircraft involved, also a KC-135 refueling plane, landed safely. The deployment of multiple aircraft in the Middle East underscores the ongoing risks associated with these operations.
Developed by Boeing in the 1950s and 1960s, the KC-135 is vital for mid-air refueling, allowing U.S. aircraft to extend their missions without landing.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iran-backed groups, claimed responsibility for downing the plane, although military authorities have yet to confirm this connection.
The crash coincided with reports of injuries among U.S. personnel related to the ongoing conflict, highlighting the escalating dangers faced by troops in the area.