Baghdad (TDI): A US aerial refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Thursday, while another aircraft involved in the incident landed safely, according to the United States Central Command.
In a statement, the command said rescue operations were underway after the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker went down during a mission. Officials confirmed that the crash did not result from hostile or friendly fire.
“The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury,” the command said, referring to the US military campaign linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran.
A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the second aircraft involved was also a KC-135 tanker and that the crashed aircraft was carrying six service members at the time of the incident, AFP reported.
Meanwhile, the militant group Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for downing the aircraft, stating that the attack was carried out “in defense of our country’s sovereignty and airspace.” The US military has not confirmed the claim.
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The crash marks at least the fourth US military aircraft loss since the war in the Middle East began on February 28. Earlier in the conflict, three F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti forces over Kuwait during intense combat operations.
According to the United States Air Force, the KC-135 tanker has been in service for more than six decades and typically operates with a crew of three, including a pilot, co-pilot, and boom operator responsible for refuelling other aircraft mid-air.
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Officials said some missions may require additional crew members, such as a navigator, and the aircraft can also carry passengers when necessary.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing as rescue teams continue search and recovery efforts at the crash site.
