CENTCOM Confirms 4 U.S. Service Members Killed in KC-135 Crash Over Iraq
A U.S. Air Force refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during operations connected to the escalating conflict with Iran, triggering a rescue mission and raising new questions about risks facing American forces in the region.
According to U.S. Central Command, a KC-135 Stratotanker went down during Operation Epic Fury, with a second aircraft involved in the incident landing safely. Officials said the crash occurred in “friendly airspace” and was not caused by hostile or friendly fire.
The tanker carried six crew members. Four have been confirmed dead and two were initially unaccounted for as rescue operations continued, according to military updates reported by multiple outlets.
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The crash comes amid an expanding U.S. air campaign linked to the Iran conflict, where aerial refueling tankers play a critical role supporting long-range strike missions.
Complicating the situation, an Iran-aligned militia in Iraq claimed it shot down the aircraft, though U.S. officials say there is currently no evidence the crash was caused by enemy fire.
Investigators are now examining whether a mid-air incident between the two aircraft may have triggered the disaster.
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