Six US Crew Killed After KC-135 Refueling Plane Crash in Iraq

All six crew members aboard a US military refueling aircraft died after their plane crashed in western Iraq, US officials said.

The aircraft, a KC-135 Stratotanker, crashed on Thursday during operations linked to the war involving Iran.

US Central Command said the incident happened at 14:00 ET (19:00 GMT).

Investigators have begun examining the cause of the crash.

Officials said early evidence shows no hostile fire or friendly fire caused the incident.

Search Teams Locate All Crew Members

Rescue teams first located four crew members after the crash.

Search teams later found the remaining two personnel.

Military officials confirmed that all six crew members had died.

Authorities have not released the victims’ identities yet.

Officials plan to notify families before making the names public.

Aircraft Was On Combat Mission

Gen Dan Caine, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the aircraft flew a combat mission when the crash occurred.

The tanker formed part of a two-aircraft mission in the region.

One aircraft crashed while the second aircraft landed safely.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised the crew members and called them “American heroes”.

He said their sacrifice strengthens the resolve of the mission.

KC-135 Plays Key Role in Air Operations

The KC-135 Stratotanker forms a crucial part of the US Air Force fleet.

The aircraft refuels fighter jets and bombers in mid-air.

This capability allows combat aircraft to stay airborne longer and travel greater distances.

The plane normally carries a pilot, co-pilot and boom operator.

The boom operator controls the refuelling arm that transfers fuel to other aircraft.

Boeing built the KC-135 in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

The aircraft has supported US operations for decades.

The military used the tanker extensively during the first Gulf War.

Crash Adds to Aircraft Losses

The crash increases the US military death toll in the current conflict.

The United States has now lost 13 personnel since the war began about two weeks ago.

The US military has also lost at least four aircraft during the conflict.

Earlier this month, three F-15 fighter jets were shot down over Kuwait.

Officials later said an apparent friendly-fire incident caused the loss.

All six crew members in those aircraft ejected safely.

Crash Occurred in Tense Region

The crash happened in western Iraq, where several pro-Iranian militia groups operate.

US officials said the crash did not result from hostile fire.

However, Iranian state television reported claims that an allied militia fired a missile at the aircraft.

Officials have not confirmed that claim.

Conflict Continues to Escalate

The crash came as fighting intensified across the region.

Israel’s military said it launched a wide wave of strikes against Iranian infrastructure near Tehran.

Explosions were reported in and around the Iranian capital.

Energy markets also reacted to the escalating conflict.

Oil prices rose above $100 per barrel again this week.

Attacks on ships in the Gulf and threats to block the Strait of Hormuz pushed prices higher.

US President Donald Trump said the war could end “very soon”.

He also warned that the United States could expand military action if needed.

Separate Drone Attack in Iraq

France’s military reported a separate attack in northern Iraq.

A drone strike killed a French soldier and wounded six others at a Kurdish base.

Officials identified the soldier as Staff Sgt Arnaud Frion.

French troops were stationed there to train Iraqi forces.

The attack highlights the widening risks across the Middle East as the conflict continues.