[UPDATED — 10:57 a.m. EDT]
All six crew members aboard a U.S. Air Force refueling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq have now been confirmed dead, U.S. Central Command said Friday, following earlier reports that only four fatalities had been verified.
The aircraft went down on March 12 during operations supporting the U.S. military campaign against Iran, according to U.S. officials. The crash occurred in what the military described as “friendly airspace,” and an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause.
[ORIGINAL ARTICLE]
The deadly incident involved a U.S. Air Force refueling plane…
Four U.S. service members have been confirmed dead after a U.S. Air Force refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq, military officials said, marking one of the deadliest incidents involving American forces in the region during the current war with Iran.
What Happened
U.S. Central Command said the aircraft — a KC-135 Stratotanker used to refuel other military planes in flight — went down March 12 while operating in western Iraq.
Four of the six crew members aboard the aircraft were confirmed dead as search and rescue operations continued for the remaining two.
Officials said the aircraft was supporting operations connected to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Possible Midair Incident
Early information indicates the crash followed an incident involving a second KC-135 tanker that was also flying in the area.
That aircraft sustained damage but was able to land safely.
U.S. Central Command emphasized the crash was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire, though a formal investigation is underway.
Aircraft Involved
The KC-135 Stratotanker is a long-serving Air Force aircraft designed to refuel fighters, bombers, and other military aircraft in midair, allowing them to remain in flight longer and extend their operational range.
The aircraft that crashed was one of two tankers conducting aerial refueling missions connected to Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. military campaign against the Iranian regime.
Rising Casualties in the Conflict
The crash adds to the growing toll of American casualties in the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
At least 13 U.S. service members have been killed in the conflict, with about 170 wounded.
Military officials said the names of the four service members killed in the crash will be withheld until their families are notified.
Investigation Underway
The Pentagon and U.S. Central Command have launched a formal investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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