All six crew members aboard a US military refueling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq have been killed, the US Central Command (Centcom) confirmed on Friday. The incident occurred on Thursday and is under investigation, though officials state it was not the result of hostile or friendly fire.
Details of the Incident
The crash involved a KC-135 Stratotanker, a refueling aircraft built by Boeing in the 1950s and 1960s that serves as a backbone for US aerial refueling operations. A second KC-135 aircraft was involved but landed safely. The US military has deployed a significant number of aircraft to the Middle East for operations against Iran, highlighting the inherent risks of aerial refueling missions.
Rising Casualties in Regional Conflict
These deaths bring the total number of US service members killed in operations against Iran to at least 13 since February 28. In a separate development, Reuters reported that as many as 150 US troops have been wounded in the ongoing US-Israeli campaign against Iran. The same day as the crash announcement, two US sailors were injured in a non-combat-related fire aboard the USS Gerald Ford.
Conflicting Claims and Broader Context
While Centcom denies hostile fire, an umbrella group of Iran-backed armed factions has claimed responsibility for downing the aircraft. The conflict has seen previous fatalities, including seven US troops killed by a drone strike in Kuwait. President Donald Trump and senior officials have warned that further US military deaths are expected as Tehran retaliates against US and Israeli strikes.
The investigation into the precise circumstances of the crash continues amid a volatile and escalating military situation in the region.
