A US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, a key aerial refueling aircraft, crashed in western Iraq on Thursday during a mission supporting ongoing military aggression against Iran.
According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the incident involved two aircraft, with one going down in friendly airspace and the other landing safely in ‘Israel’.
CENTCOM confirmed the crash in a statement, emphasizing that it was not the result of hostile or friendly fire.
“US Central Command is aware of the loss of a US KC-135 refueling aircraft,” the statement read. “The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing.”
Six service members were aboard the downed tanker, and their status remains unknown as search and rescue operations continue.
The crash occurred amid heightened US military activity in the region as part of the US and israe;I military aggression against Iran.
The KC-135, a workhorse of the US Air Force since the 1950s, plays a critical role in extending the range of fighter jets and bombers by providing mid-air refueling, which has been essential for sustained airstrikes over Iran and surrounding areas.
Details on the exact cause of the accident remain scarce, with CENTCOM promising more information as it becomes available.
Source: Press tv