A Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker used by the United States Air Force crashed in western Iraq during military operations connected to the war with Iran, officials confirmed on Thursday.
The aircraft went down while taking part in Operation Epic Fury, a U.S. military campaign in the region. After the crash, rescue teams were sent to the area to search for the crew and provide help if needed.
Two Aircraft Were Involved
According to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), two tanker aircraft were involved in the incident.
One aircraft crashed in western Iraq, while the second tanker landed safely. The military said the incident happened in friendly airspace.
Officials also said the crash was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire.
The second aircraft later landed at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel. Flight data showed that the plane sent a “squawk 7700” signal, which is an emergency code used by pilots when there is a serious problem.
Iran-Backed Group Claims It Shot Down the Plane
While U.S. officials say the crash was likely an accident, an armed group in Iraq gave a different claim.
The group Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which is backed by Iran, said it had shot down the US refueling plane. The group said the attack was carried out to defend Iraq’s airspace.
However, U.S. military officials have not confirmed this claim and say there is no sign that the crash was caused by an attack.
About the KC-135 Refueling Aircraft
The KC-135 tanker is an important aircraft used by the U.S. military. It was built by Boeing and has been in service for more than 60 years.
The aircraft refuels fighter jets and other planes in the air. This allows military aircraft to fly longer missions without landing for fuel.
A KC-135 usually has three crew members: a pilot, a co-pilot, and a boom operator who manages the refueling system.
Fourth Aircraft Incident in the Conflict
The tanker crash is the fourth known aircraft incident during the current military operations linked to the Iran conflict.
Last week, the U.S. military said that three F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were accidentally shot down by friendly fire from Kuwait. All six crew members safely ejected and were later rescued.
Casualties in the Iran War
The war has already caused several casualties among U.S. forces.
Seven American service members have been killed since the conflict started. Six troops died when an Iranian drone hit an operations center at a civilian port in Kuwait.
Another soldier died after being injured during an attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.
About 140 U.S. service members have also been wounded, including eight who suffered serious injuries.
Both Donald Trump and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have warned that more American lives could be lost as the war continues.
Officials say the investigation into the crash is still ongoing, and more details will be shared once rescue teams complete their work in western Iraq.
Erin Blanchard graduated from Queens University with a BA in Arts. Erin grew up in Ottawa, but moved to Kingston for her studies. Erin has written for several major publications including the CBC and the Toronto Star. Erin is a community reporter and also covers stories important health developments important to Canadians..
