A US military plane crash has claimed the lives of six American service members in Iraq. The KC-135 refuelling aircraft went down during Operation Epic Fury, the US Central Command confirmed.
Tragic Crash Under Investigation
All six crew members on board the KC-135 tanker died in the crash. The other KC-135 accompanying the flight landed safely, Centcom said. The identities of the fallen troops are being withheld until their next of kin are notified.
US Central Command stressed the incident was not due to hostile or friendly fire. “The circumstances of the incident are under investigation,” the statement said. More details will be released as officials learn more.
Claim of Responsibility Sparks Tensions
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility, saying they downed the plane “in defence of our country’s sovereignty and airspace.” However, the US military disputes this, maintaining the crash was unrelated to enemy action.
Part of Rising Military Losses in Iran Conflict
- This tanker crash marks the fourth publicly confirmed US aircraft loss linked to operations against Iran.
- Last week, three US fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by friendly fire from Kuwaiti forces, though all six crew members ejected safely.
- So far, seven US troops have died in combat during the Iran conflict, with about 140 wounded, including eight severely, according to Pentagon figures.
- Earlier, six Army Reserve service members died when an Iranian drone hit a logistics centre in Kuwait.
President Donald Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth have warned that the conflict may claim more American lives before it ends.
Ongoing Tensions in the Middle East
The US and Israel launched military operations against Iran on February 28. Since then, Iran has retaliated with missile and drone strikes against Israel and Gulf Arab states hosting US forces.
The seventh American who died was wounded during a March 1 attack on Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base and succumbed to injuries.
Trump attended a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base for the fallen soldiers, joined by Vice President JD Vance and other officials paying respects.
