A US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Thursday, US Central Command (Centcom) has confirmed The incident marks the fourth American military aircraft lost during operations in the Middle East that began on February 28 A second aircraft involved in the incident, which a US official identified as another KC-135, landed safely
In a statement, Centcom, which oversees US forces in the region, said the crash was "not due to hostile fire or friendly fire" The aircraft was part of ongoing US military operations against Iran, according to the military Rescue efforts for the crew were underway, and the military described the downed aircraft as "a loss"
The KC-135 Stratotanker, which has been in service for over 60 years, is a critical logistical asset for extending the range and endurance of fighter jets and other military aircraft The aircraft typically operates with a three-person crew consisting of a pilot, co-pilot, and boom operator, though it can carry additional personnel
This crash follows the downing of three US F-15E fighter jets over Kuwait by friendly fire earlier in the conflict Centcom has stated that more information will be provided as the situation develops and has asked for patience as it works to inform the families of the service members involved
Mohsin Rana
