A U.S. military refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Thursday in an incident that officials say involved another aircraft but was not caused by hostile or friendly fire.
According to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), the aircraft that went down was a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, a key aerial refuelling platform used by the U.S. military to extend the operational range of combat aircraft.
CENTCOM said the crash occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, the ongoing U.S. military campaign targeting Iranian-linked capabilities in the region.
Rescue efforts underway
In a statement, CENTCOM confirmed that rescue operations were launched immediately after the crash. A second aircraft involved in the incident landed safely.
A U.S. official speaking on condition of anonymity said the other aircraft was also a KC-135 tanker. The aircraft that crashed reportedly had as many as six service members on board at the time of the incident.
Authorities have not yet confirmed casualties as search and recovery operations continue.
Militant group claims responsibility
Shortly after the incident, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-aligned armed factions operating in the country, claimed responsibility for downing the aircraft.
In a statement, the group said it had shot down the tanker “in defence of our country’s sovereignty and airspace.” U.S. officials, however, have said initial findings indicate the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire.
Strategic aircraft in U.S. operations
The KC-135 tanker, manufactured by Boeing, has been a cornerstone of U.S. aerial refuelling capability since the late 1950s. The aircraft allows fighter jets, bombers and surveillance planes to conduct extended missions without landing.
The United States has significantly increased its air presence across the Middle East in recent weeks as tensions with Iran escalate.
Growing regional conflict
Since U.S. and Israeli forces began coordinated strikes against Iran on February 28, the conflict has intensified across several fronts. According to reports, seven U.S. troops have been killed during the campaign while roughly 150 others have been wounded.
The United States has also reportedly carried out strikes against more than 6,000 targets in Iran during the ongoing military operations.
The aircraft crash occurred on the same day two U.S. sailors were injured after a non-combat fire broke out aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN‑78), the U.S. Navy’s newest aircraft carrier.
The broader regional conflict has already resulted in more than 2,000 deaths, including nearly 700 in Lebanon, underscoring the growing humanitarian and security concerns linked to the expanding war.
